Taken at Titchwell, Norfolk on October 16th 2025. (© David Hastings)
(Canon R7+RF100-500+1.4x, f/10, 1/1000th, ISO1000, 700mm. Click image for larger version)
Juvenile. Taken at Hunstanton, Norfolk on October 17th 2025. (© David Hastings)
(Canon R7+RF100-500, f/7.1, 1/640th, ISO6400, 500mm. Click image for larger version)
Taken at Farmoor, Oxon., on April 30th 2021. (© David Hastings)
(1/2000th sec at f/9. Click image for larger version)

Description

L: 39 - 44 cm; WS: 72 - 83 cm

The Oystercatcher is a large, stocky, black and white wading bird. It has a long, orange-red bill and reddish-pink legs. In flight, it shows a wide white wing-stripe, a black tail, and a white rump that extends as a 'V' between the wings. Juveniles have a brownish back, greyish legs and an extensive black tip to a pale orange bill.

Oystercatchers can be found all round the British coastline. They can also be found inland.

Their usual breeding habitat is open, flat, stony coastlines.

Oystercatchers often gather in large, noisy flocks, especially in the winter.

This species is on the British amber list due to its reliance on cockle beds. There are around 125000 breeding pairs in Britain.

Sightings