Oystercatchers
The Oystercatchers are a small family of shorebirds that have
specialized bills for dealing with oysters, mussels, and limpets. There
is a black or pied species -- and sometimes both -- on most shorelines
(particularly rocky ones) at temperate latitudes around the world.
During the past 40 years or so there appears to have been a general
increase in numbers of oystercatchers, and today big flocks can be seen
on favourite sand-banks and mudflats, paddling about in search of
shellfish and small crustacea. But why this bird has been called
oystercatcher is not very clear, since there is hardly any evidence that
they are capable of opening a fully developed oyster. Oyster beds where
young oysters are matured are as carefully looked after today as are
game preserves, and it does not seem that the 'sea pie' has been one of
the enemies.
» Habitat: Chiefly a shorebird, but locally breeds inland by rivers, lochs and gravel pits. In winter, more strictly coastal
» Discription: Noisy boldly plumaged wader. It's piping calls draw attention, and the black and white plumage and long red bill make it easy to identifyl.
» Length: 15 inches
» Large shorebird
» Bright orange, long, thick bill
» Plumage entirely black
» Pink legs
» Yellow eye
» Orange orbital ring
» Juvenile like adult but bill has dark tip and plumage is browner
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