The Magellanic Oystercatcher is distributed on the coasts of southern Chile from Chiloe southwards and along the coast of southern Argentina. It is found inland on grasslands near ponds during the breeding season but moves to sandy beaches and muddy estuaries in the non-breeding season.

In flight, the Magellanic Oystercatcher has a broad white trailing edge to the upper wings (secondaries), has a larger white rump and has more extensive white on the underwing than the American Oystercatcher.