Eurasian Oystercatcher
Haematopus ostralegus
A striking black-and-white shorebird of coasts, estuaries, mudflats, and nearby inland wetlands across Europe and parts of Asia. It feeds mainly on mussels, cockles, worms, and other invertebrates, using its long orange-red bill to probe mud or pry and hammer open shellfish. Pairs are territorial in the breeding season and defend nests with loud piping calls and swooping attacks. Despite the name, oysters are not its main food in most places.
- Type
- Wing
- Conservation status
- NT
Growth chain
- ?
- Eurasian Oystercatcher