Eurasian oystercatcher
Haematopus ostralegus
The Eurasian oystercatcher or European oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus), also known as the common pied oystercatcher, or (in Europe) just oystercatcher, is a wader in the oystercatcher bird famil
About the Eurasian oystercatcher
The Eurasian oystercatcher or European oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus), also known as the common pied oystercatcher, or (in Europe) 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. It is the most widespread of the oystercatchers, with four subspecies breeding in western Europe, central Eurosiberia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. No other oystercatcher occurs within this area.
Fun Facts About Eurasian oystercatcher
- The sexes are similar in appearance but the bill of the female is longer than that of the male.
- It is the most widespread of the oystercatchers, with four subspecies breeding in western Europe, central Eurosiberia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea.
- It has striking black and white plumage, a long straight orange-red bill, red eyes and relatively short dull pink legs.
Conservation Status
The Eurasian oystercatcher is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. This species faces threats that could impact its population if conservation measures are not maintained.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Haematopodidae |
| Genus | Haematopus |
| Species | Haematopus ostralegus |
Range & Habitat
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