The Eurasian oystercatcher is a bold and unmistakable wader, with striking black-and-white plumage and a vivid orange bill that looks like a carrot!
Found year-round at Langstone Harbour, oystercatchers nest on shingle beaches and feed on intertidal flats. Their loud, piping calls are a familiar sound along the coast, especially during the breeding season when they become highly vocal and territorial.
What does this bird’s call sound like?
These birds are sensitive to disturbance—approaching too closely can cause them to abandon nests or feeding grounds. Please observe from a distance to help protect them. Oystercatchers are long-lived and often return to the same nesting sites year after year.
Did You Know?
Despite its name, it doesn’t just eat oysters—it feeds on a variety of shellfish, worms, and other invertebrates, using its strong bill to prise open shells or probe into sand.
Their presence is a sign of a healthy intertidal ecosystem and a reminder of the importance of protecting coastal habitats for both resident and migratory species.
- Bird Aware Solent raises awareness of local migratory birds – click here
- Find out more about this bird at the BAS website – click here