Eurasian Oystercatcher
A species of Oystercatchers, Also known as Eurasian Pied Oystercatcher, Northern Oystercatcher Scientific name : Haematopus ostralegus Genus : Oystercatchers
Eurasian Oystercatcher, A species of Oystercatchers
Also known as:
Eurasian Pied Oystercatcher, Northern Oystercatcher
Botanical name: Haematopus ostralegus
Genus: Oystercatchers
Content
Description People often ask General Info
Description
The eurasian Oystercatcher is a larger shorebird (wader) that likes to announce its presence with loud calls. It is often seen in coastal areas where it uses its large bill to search the mud for shellfish. The shorebird also uses its bill to pry the shells open. Surprisingly, given its common name, Eurasian Oystercatcher, it does not eat oysters.
Size
48 cm
Life Expectancy
36 years
Nest Placement
Ground
Feeding Habits
Eurasian Oystercatcher predominantly feeds on mollusks like mussels and limpets, using its strong bill to pry or smash shells. It also consumes whelks, crabs, earthworms, insect larvae, and fish, showcasing diverse foraging behaviors adapted to coastal habitats.
Habitat
Eurasian Oystercatcher's primary habitats are coastal zones, including salt-marshes, sandy and shingle beaches, and rocky coasts. These birds adapt to inland environments in northwestern regions, residing in agricultural land by water bodies for breeding. During non-breeding seasons, eurasian Oystercatcher favor estuarine mudflats, still frequenting salt-marshes and shores. The 'finschi' race favors riverine shingle banks or fields inland, migrating to major bays and estuaries outside breeding periods.
Dite type
Aquatic invertebrate eater
People often ask
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Shorebirds Family
Oystercatchers Genus
Oystercatchers Species
Eurasian Oystercatcher