Haematopus is a genus of wading birds commonly known as oystercatchers. These birds have a distinctive appearance due to their long, sharp, and orange-red bills. The haematopus genus contains six different species, each with its own unique characteristics. Some synonyms used for the word haematopus are the African black oystercatcher, the American black oystercatcher, the Eurasian oystercatcher, the Magellanic oystercatcher, the pied oystercatcher, and the Sooty oystercatcher. These synonyms are often used interchangeably to refer to this group of birds, and each of them has its own distinct traits and characteristics that make them unique among the haematopus species.