The dark plumage blends well with the basalt on coastal reefs. The bird is usually seen on these rocky-shore platforms where they feed on molluscs, crustaceans and other invertebrates. Breeding sites are usually off-shore rock stacks, occasionally ocean beaches and there are few local nesting records. Oystercatchers are not migratory but probably move between suitable sites according to tidal and weather conditions, and disturbance. They are not common locally.