Oystercatcher, Sooty

Moderately common – Resident, nomadic. Endemic. All black. Red eye, eye-ring and bill. Pink legs. Race opthalmicus (Northern Australia) slightly longer bill, broader red eye-ring. Size: 40-52cm. Juvenile: Duller bill, tipped black. Eyes brown. Upperparts edged brown. Grey legs. Voice: More mournful that Pied Oystercatcher. Habitat: Coastal, prefers rocky coastline; occasional estuaries.

Simpson & Day 7th Ed.