Oystercatcher
Haematopus ostralegus
Length 43cm

Distinctive and noisy wader. Widespread around coasts of Britain and Ireland and sometimes inland in N. Favours undisturbed shores for nesting and therefore excluded from much of S England at this time. More widespread outside breeding season on beaches and estuaries; sometimes roosts in large flocks. Distinctive black and white plumage with white wingbars seen in flight; winter birds have white half-collar. Long pinkish legs. Stout red bill used to feed on molluscs.