European oystercatcher

bird

Also known as: Haematopus ostralegus

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 26, 2026

Quick Summary

The European oystercatcher (H. ostralegus) is a species of shorebird found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. It belongs to the genus Haematopus, which is characterized by stout bodies, thick legs, long wings, and a distinctive long, wedge-shaped bill that is typically orange-red. These birds are known for their black and white plumage.1

Oystercatchers primarily feed on mollusks, such as oysters and clams, which they access when the tide recedes. They typically nest on the ground, laying two to four eggs in sandy areas. The European oystercatcher is black above and white below.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

oystercatcher
Among them is the European oystercatcher (H. ostralegus), of Europe, Asia, and Africa, which is black above and white beneath. The American oystercatcher (H. palliatus), of coastal regions in the Western Hemisphere, is dark above, with a black head and neck, and white below. The black oystercatcher (H. bachmani),…
Read More
Among them is the European oystercatcher (H. ostralegus), of Europe, Asia, and Africa, which is black above and white beneath. The American oystercatcher (H. palliatus), of coastal regions in the Western Hemisphere, is dark above, with a black head and neck, and white below. The black oystercatcher (H. bachmani),…
Read More