Haematopus ostralegus
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Mass
~530 g
Habitat
Coastal areas
Diet
Fish and aquatic animals
How to recognize it
The Eurasian Oystercatcher stands out at once with its black-and-white look and long bright bill. Near water, it is easier to notice by its purposeful walk and sharp call than by any calm, still pose.
It is noisy, restless, and almost always busy looking for food. It walks along shallow water, the tide line, and the edge of the shore, probing sand, water, and gaps between stones with its bill.
It favors coasts, large rivers, lakes, flats, and shingle beaches. It eats molluscs, worms, crustaceans, and insects, and in much of its range it moves south for winter, though some European coastal populations stay all year.
Quick Facts
Listen to the call
The Eurasian Oystercatcher stands out at once with its black-and-white look and long bright bill. Near water, it is easier to notice by its purposeful walk and sharp call than by any calm, still pose.
It is noisy, restless, and almost always busy looking for food. It walks along shallow water, the tide line, and the edge of the shore, probing sand, water, and gaps between stones with its bill.
It favors coasts, large rivers, lakes, flats, and shingle beaches. It eats molluscs, worms, crustaceans, and insects, and in much of its range it moves south for winter, though some European coastal populations stay all year.