Oystercatchers

Oystercatchers are medium-sized birds with distinctive black and white plumage and can often be seen running along the shoreline or wading in shallow water. There are several species of oystercatchers, but the most common in the UK is the Eurasian oystercatcher, which can be found along the coastlines of the British Isles.

No, Oystercatchers are seen commonly round the UK and one of the most recognisable bird species found along the UK coastline.

Yes, oystercatchers do eat oysters, but surprisingly only rarely, and prefer other shellfish such as mussels and cockles.

Oystercatchers can be territorial and will defend their nesting sites and young from potential threats, which can include other birds or animals that may come too close. They may vocalise loudly and use displays such as spreading their wings to intimidate potential threats but aren’t usually aggressive towards humans.

Yes. some Oystercatchers migrate, particularly those in Scotland and northern England are partially migratory, meaning that some individuals may migrate southward for the winter.

Yes, oystercatchers are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or take oystercatchers, or to damage or destroy their nests or eggs without a license.