The Eurasian oystercatcher, also known as the common pied oystercatcher, or just oystercatcher, is a wader in the oystercatcher bird family Haematopodidae. It has striking black and white plumage, a long straight orange-red bill, red eyes and relatively short dull pink legs. The sexes are similar in appearance but the bill of the female is longer than that of the male.
Region
Palearctic (Europe to Western Asia)
Typical Environment
Breeds widely along coasts of the North Atlantic, North Sea, Baltic, and Arctic Norway, and locally inland on rivers, lakes, and open farmland in parts of Europe and western Siberia. Winters mainly on temperate and subtropical coasts, including the British Isles, Atlantic Europe, the Mediterranean, Black Sea, and West Africa, as well as the Persian Gulf and northern Indian Ocean shores. Prefers intertidal mudflats, sandflats, rocky shores, and estuaries with abundant bivalves. Inland breeders use gravel bars, shingle, and sparsely vegetated fields near wetlands.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking black-and-white shorebird uses its long orange-red bill like a chisel or lever to open mussels and cockles, with individuals specializing in different techniques. It gives loud, piping calls and is highly conspicuous in flight with bold white wing bars. Many populations show strong site fidelity to traditional nesting beaches and estuaries. Coastal development and shellfish harvesting can affect local breeding and feeding success.
Eurasian oystercatcher flying on Loch Sligachan on the Isle of Skye, Scotland
Egg, Jacques Perrin de Brichambaut collection, Muséum de Toulouse
Temperament
social and noisy
Flight Pattern
strong and direct with rapid wingbeats, often flying low over surf; bold wingbar conspicuous in flight
Social Behavior
Forms large, tight flocks outside the breeding season, especially at roosts near high-tide lines. In the breeding season, pairs defend territories on beaches, dunes, or shingle and nest in a simple ground scrape. Both sexes incubate and tend precocial chicks. Displays include conspicuous piping runs and aerial chases.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocal, with loud, clear piping ‘kleep-kleep’ calls that carry over surf and mudflats. Courtship and territorial displays feature excited rapid piping sequences and chorus calling in flocks.
