Eurasian Oystercatcher
NameEurasian Oystercatcher
Common NameEurasian Oystercatcher
Scientific NameHaematopus ostralegus
FamilyHaematopodidae
Wingspan (cm)83
Length (cm)43
Weight (g)600
Plumage DetailsAdults display glossy black plumage on the head, neck, back, and upperwings, sharply contrasting with a pure white belly, rump, and underparts. A prominent white wing bar is visible in flight. The long, chisel-tipped bill is bright orange-red, and the eyes are red with an orange orbital ring. Legs are pinkish-red. Juveniles have duller, brownish-black plumage and a duller bill.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, piping calls, often described as 'kleep-kleep-kleep' or 'pic-pic-pic'. They also produce a trilling alarm call and a distinctive 'pee-eep' display call, especially during courtship and territorial disputes.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, estuary, mudflat, sandy beach, rocky shore, saltmarsh, grassland, agricultural field
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across temperate Eurasia, from Iceland and western Europe east through central Asia and Siberia. Winters along the coasts of western Europe, Africa, and southern Asia.
Identifying FeaturesStriking black and white plumage, Long, bright orange-red bill, Red eyes with orange orbital ring, Pinkish-red legs, Loud, piping vocalizations, Coastal and estuarine habitat preference
Description
The Eurasian Oystercatcher is a large, distinctive wader easily recognized by its pied black and white plumage, long orange-red bill, and red eyes. These noisy and gregarious birds are typically found foraging on coastlines, estuaries, and increasingly inland for shellfish and marine worms.
