American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

Not actually a gull — the classic Gull-dex gotcha
Summer, particularly at the InletSeasonal

How to ID it

  • Carrot-orange bill and black head
  • Inlet jetty specialty in summer

Field marks at a glance

Head
black
Bill
carrot-orange bill

Where & when

Summer, particularly at the Inlet — best odds at oc inlet.

Learn more

Sources

  • Facts — local research (plan.md), verified July 2026
  • Reference — ebird.org
  • Reference — audubon.org