Canary Islands Oystercatcher [Haematopus meadewaldoi]
Description
The Canary Islands Oystercatcher was endemic to Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and the islets and rocks surrounding these two islands in the Canary Islands, but is now extinct. It was similar in size to other oystercatchers, but was distinguished from other species by its all-black plumage and long red beak. The last confirmed sighting of this bird was in 1913, and it was declared extinct in 1994. It is believed that over-harvesting of limpets and other shellfish, its main food source, along with disturbance, led to its extinction.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Birds
Aves
|
| Order |
Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
Charadriiformes
|
| Family |
Oystercatchers
Haematopodidae
|
| Genus |
American Oystercatcher
Haematopus
|