Eurasian Oystercatcher
ExploreBirds
Eurasian Oystercatcher
Haematopus ostralegus
The Eurasian Oystercatcher is a striking black and white bird with a long orange beak. They love to live near the coast where they can find tasty shellfish to eat.
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The Eurasian Oystercatcher has striking black and white plumage, often with a white belly and black back. Its most distinctive features are its long, bright orange-red bill, pink legs, and a vivid red eye. This stocky shorebird stands out easily.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyHaematopodidaeGenusHaematopus
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
During winter, thousands of these birds gather in massive flocks on coastal mudflats.
Some Oystercatchers are homebodies, staying in the same coastal spot their whole lives!
They can live a surprisingly long time, some wild birds reaching over 30 years!
Young Oystercatchers need over a year to master the tricky skill of opening shellfish!
Special abilities
Ability
Beak Hammer
Eurasian Oystercatcher can use its strong, chisel-shaped bill to pry open or hammer shellfish for food.
Ability
Eagle Eye Vision
Eurasian Oystercatcher has excellent eyesight that helps them spot hidden worms or shellfish in the sand.
Ability
Loud Alarm Call
Eurasian Oystercatcher can make piercing, whistling calls that help them warn others or claim their territory.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 40-45 cm
- Wingspan
- 76-86 cm
- Weight
- 0.42-0.82 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-30 years
- Top Speed
- 65 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 2-4
- Incubation
- 26-28 days
- Migration Distance
- 3000 km
Diet & Feeding
They feast on tasty mussels, cockles, and worms dug from the sand along the shore.
Age differences: Juveniles must learn specific techniques for opening shellfish, which takes practice and time.
Primary Foods
- mussels
- cockles
- limpets
- marine worms
- crabs
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus
Hunts adults and juveniles.
eaten by
Great Black-backed Gull
Larus marinus
Preys on eggs and chicks.
eats
Common Mussel
Mytilus edulis
Pries open shells for food.
eats
Lugworm
Arenicola marina
Probes sand to find these worms.
Traits
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Tool Use
This trait describes organisms that manipulate external objects to achieve a specific goal.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
If you see a bird's nest, be careful not to disturb it. Always watch birds from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Eurasian Oystercatcher?
40-45 cm
What is Eurasian Oystercatcher's wingspan?
76-86 cm
How much does Eurasian Oystercatcher weigh?
0.42-0.82 kg
How long does Eurasian Oystercatcher live?
10-30 years
How fast can Eurasian Oystercatcher move?
65 km/h
What does Eurasian Oystercatcher eat?
They feast on tasty mussels, cockles, and worms dug from the sand along the shore.
Where is Eurasian Oystercatcher usually found?
Coastal areas
How does Eurasian Oystercatcher hunt?
Foraging
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