Haematopus meadewaldoi
The Canary Islands Oystercatcher (*Haematopus meadewaldoi*) was a striking, medium-sized shorebird, measuring approximately 40-45 cm in length. Its plumage was entirely glossy black, distinguishing it immediately from other oystercatcher species in the Atlantic, which typically have pied (black and white) patterns. Key field marks included its long, stout, vibrant red-orange bill, contrasting sharply with its all-black body, bright yellow eyes, and pinkish-red legs. Taxonomically, it belongs ...
This species was strictly coastal, favoring rocky shorelines, intertidal zones, tidal pools, and wave-swept platforms where marine invertebrates were abundant.
Its diet consisted primarily of marine invertebrates, including limpets (*Patella* species), bivalves, crabs, and marine worms, obtained by prying or probing within the intertidal zone.
Historically, the Canary Islands Oystercatcher was a diurnal species, spending its days foraging along the coast and likely roosting communally on high rocks during high tide or at night. Its foraging strategy involved wading into shallow waters and probing soft substrates or, more commonly, usin...
The Canary Islands Oystercatcher was endemic to the eastern Canary Islands, primarily inhabiting the coastlines of Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and surrounding islets such as La Graciosa, Montaña Clara, Alegranza, and Lobos. There were historical, unconfirmed reports of its presence on Gran Canaria ...
Extinct
- The last confirmed sighting of the Canary Islands Oystercatcher was in 1913 on the island of Lobos, though unconfirmed reports persisted into the 1940s. - It is one of only two bird species endemic to the Canary Islands known to have gone extinct, the other being the Canary Islands Stonechat. -...