Eurasian Oystercatcher
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Richard_Bartz" title="User:Richard Bartz">Richard Bartz</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameEurasian Oystercatcher
Common NameEurasian Oystercatcher
Scientific NameHaematopus ostralegus
FamilyHaematopodidae
Wingspan (cm)83
Length (cm)42.5
Weight (g)620
Plumage DetailsAdults display a glossy black head, neck, back, and upperwings, contrasting sharply with a pure white belly, rump, and underparts. A prominent white wing-bar is visible in flight. The long, stout bill is a vibrant orange-red, and the legs are pink. Their eyes are red with an orange orbital ring.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, piping calls, often described as 'kleep-kleep' or 'pic-pic-pic', frequently given when alarmed or in flight. They also produce a distinctive trilling alarm call.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal areas, estuaries, mudflats, sandy beaches, rocky shores, saltmarshes
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across temperate Eurasia, from Iceland and western Europe east to central Asia and Siberia. Winters along the coasts of Europe, Africa, and southern Asia.
Identifying Featuresblack and white plumage, long, bright orange-red bill, pink legs, red eyes with orange orbital ring, distinctive piping call
Description
A distinctive large wader, easily recognized by its striking black and white plumage, long orange-red bill, and pink legs. These birds are typically found foraging along coastlines and estuaries, using their specialized bills to pry open bivalves.
