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Systematics
May be conspecific with European Oystercatcher (H. ostralegus; Murphy 1936, Heppleston 1973; see Appearance), but not considered so here (see Ridgway 1919; also Appearance). Hybridizes with H. bachmani in Baja California (Jehl 1985), so the entire complex probably constitutes a superspecies (Am. Ornithol. Union 1983).
Five races currently recognized, 2 in North America (Ridgway 1919; see Distribution). H. p. frazari, found in the Baja area of w. Mexico and in s. California, is the largest, has little or no white in the outer primaries, and is generally darkest above with a mottled breast. The latter two characteristics are believed due to hybridization with Black Oystercatcher (Jehl 1985). Where range overlap occurs in s. California, birds with white bellies, all black underparts, or streaked breasts all occur. Differences in plumage appear restricted to breast color; more often than not, mated pairs include both white and dark-breasted individuals (Bancroft 1927).
Taxonomy of oystercatchers worldwide remains in controversy; as few as 4 and as many as 11 species proposed (see Murphy 1925, 1936; also Heppleston 1973, A. J. Baker pers. comm.; also Distinguishing Characteristics).
Nol, Erica and Robert C. Humphrey. 1994. American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus), The Birds of North America Online (A. Poole, Ed.). Ithaca: Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Retrieved from the Birds of North America Online: http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/082
