Eurasian Oystercatcher
Image: giles63 (cc-by-nc)
NameEurasian Oystercatcher
Common NameEurasian Oystercatcher
Scientific NameHaematopus ostralegus
FamilyHaematopodidae
Wingspan (cm)81
Length (cm)42.5
Weight (g)622.5
Plumage DetailsAdults have glossy black plumage on the head, neck, back, and upperwings, contrasting sharply with a pure white belly, rump, and a prominent white wing-bar visible in flight. The bill is long, straight, and a vibrant orange-red, while the legs are pink.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, piping, and often frantic calls, typically a sharp 'kleep' or a rapid 'pic-pic-pic' series, especially when alarmed or in flight. They are quite vocal, particularly in flocks.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal areas, estuaries, mudflats, sandy beaches, rocky shores, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across temperate Eurasia, from Iceland and western Europe to central Asia and Siberia. It winters along the coasts of Europe, Africa, and southern Asia, with some populations being resident.
Identifying Featureslong orange-red bill, black and white plumage, pink legs, loud piping calls, coastal habitat
Description
A distinctive large wading bird, easily recognized by its striking black and white plumage, long bright orange-red bill, and pink legs. It is typically found foraging on coastal mudflats and estuaries, using its specialized bill to pry open molluscs.
