The American oystercatcher is a large shorebird that can be found along the coast of Bonaire, I often see them around the Salt Pier. This bird is easily recognizable by its striking appearance: a black head, a brown body, a white belly, and a long, bright orange-red bill. Its legs are pinkish and its eyes are a vibrant yellow with a red orbital ring.
The American oystercatcher its diet consists almost entirely of mollusks and you can often see them foraging in pairs or small family groups, looking for shells that they will pry open with their powerful bill.
When you are on Bonaire and you want to see this bird, the best way is to drive along the salt pans at the West coast. They will walk along the shore where they are looking in the small tide pools.
