All About Wildlife - Bird Gallery

Location:	Newton Beach - Porthcawl	Date:	22/08/2008
Scientific Name:	Haematopus ostralegus	Pic By:	Mark
Family:	Wader	Size:	42cm
ISO:	400	Gender:	U
Equipment:	Canon 30D/100-400L Lens	Wingspan:	83cm
Description:	The Eurasian Oystercatcher, otherwise known as a Pied Oystercatcher or just Oystercatcher here in the UK is part of the oystercatcher family. Its the only one to occur here in the UK, although there are 3 subspecies of this oystercatcher in Europe and some of Asia. Its highly migratory but we are lucky enough to have this bird stay here year round. This bird as an adult has black above, white underneath, and a vividly red legs and bill which makes this striking bird really stand out amongst other waders. Despite its name, it does not primarily hunt for oysters, however its one of, if not the only wader to be able to pry open these tough creatures. What makes this bird really unique is that the shape of the bill varies depending on which type of food it specializes in. Birds that focus on molluscs have broad bill tips, where birds that specialize with unearthing worms tend to have pointed bills.

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