Eurasian Oystercatcher

Haematopus ostralegus

Striking black-and-white shorebirds with bright orange bills, these skilled hunters probe coastal mudflats for tasty bivalve molluscs.
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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Eurasian Oystercatcher is a striking, crow-sized wader with distinctive black and white plumage. Its long, bright orange-red bill, pink legs, and red eye-ring contrast sharply with its pied body.

Adults have a glossy black head, neck, and upper parts, with a white rump and underparts. In flight, a bold white wing stripe is visible.

Females are difficult to distinguish from males, although they are slightly larger on average. They also have longer bills, which may be used to access different food sources.

Juveniles resemble adults but have a duller bill and a brown tinge to their plumage. They also lack the bright red eye and eye ring.

Size

Length

40cm to 45cm

Wingspan

80cm to 85cm

Weight

430g to 650g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Black White

Beak Colour

Orange Red

Leg Colour

Pink

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

Distribution

Eurasian Oystercatchers inhabit coastal areas across Europe, parts of Asia, and North Africa. They prefer rocky shores, sandy beaches, estuaries, and frequent salt marshes and mudflats.

During breeding, some populations move inland to river valleys and lakes. In the UK, they are widespread along coasts and increasingly common inland, while in continental Europe, they range from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 1,200 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subarctic

Distribution Map

© 2025 - Birdfact
Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Passage

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75
Strength 70
Adaptability 85
Aggressiveness 65
Endurance 80

Diet

Eurasian Oystercatchers primarily feed on bivalve molluscs, particularly mussels and cockles. They also consume worms, crustaceans, and occasionally small fish.

Their specialised bill allows them to open shellfish skillfully, either by hammering or prising them apart, a behaviour that varies among individuals.

Interestingly, differences in food preferences between juveniles, adult males, and adult females may limit competition for prey.

Behaviour

Eurasian Oystercatchers are highly vocal and social birds. They are often seen in large flocks outside the breeding season. Their strong bills allow them to pry open molluscs or probe for worms in mud and sand.

These birds are known for their territorial displays, which include piping calls and dramatic posturing.

Vocalisation

Eurasian Oystercatchers are known for their loud, far-carrying calls. Their most characteristic vocalisation is a sharp, piercing 'kleep-kleep' or 'pic-pic'.

During the breeding season, they produce a rapid piping trill, often used in territorial disputes or as an alarm call. These birds call from the ground or in flight, either singly or during piping displays of groups of birds.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding season for Eurasian Oystercatchers typically begins in April. They form monogamous pairs and often return to the same nesting site each year. Courtship involves elaborate displays and vocalisations.

Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, usually near water. They are lined with shells, pebbles, or vegetation. Females lay 2-4 eggs, which are pale buff with dark speckles, providing excellent camouflage.

Both parents incubate the eggs for about 24-27 days. Chicks are precocial and can leave the nest within hours of hatching, but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks before fledging.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Near Threatened [1]

The Eurasian Oystercatcher is classified as Near Threatened due to population declines in parts of its range. Habitat loss, coastal development, and disturbance at breeding sites are significant threats.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting coastal habitats and managing human activities in key breeding areas.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

925,000 - 1,030,000 individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

Decreasing[3]

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for Oystercatchers along rocky or sandy coastlines, especially during low tide.
  • Listen for their loud, piercing 'kleep-kleep' calls, which are often heard before the birds are seen.
  • Observe their distinctive feeding behaviour, using their bills to hammer open shellfish.
  • In the UK, watch for them inland during breeding season near rivers and lakes.

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Common Oystercatcher, European Oystercatcher

Average Lifespan

12 years

Max Lifespan

43 years [4]

Predators

Main predators include large gulls, raptors such as Peregrine Falcons, and ground predators like foxes and rats, which primarily target eggs and chicks.

Did You Know?

  1. Eurasian Oystercatchers can live for over 40 years in the wild.
  2. They don't exclusively eat oysters; mussels and cockles form a larger part of their diet.
  3. Some individuals specialise in opening shellfish by hammering, while others use a stabbing technique.
  4. Oystercatchers have just three forward-facing toes, which helps to spread their weight to stop them from sinking in the mud.
  5. Despite their common name, oysters are not the most important component of the Oystercatcher's diet

References

  1. 1

    website: BirdLife International. 2019. Haematopus ostralegus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22693613A154998347.

    View source
  2. 2 3 4

    report, 2019: Wetlands International