Eurasian oystercatcher

Latin Haematopus ostralegus L.
Estonian Merisk

Also known as: common pied oystercatcher, oystercatcher

Status in Estonia

Breeding and migratory bird.

Description

The Eurasian oystercatcher is a large ‘busty’ wader with a stout body. It has a striking, long, straight orange-red beak, black and white plumage, a white wing stripe visible in flight and pink legs. The adult bird’s eye ring is orange-red in the summer, while the eye is dark red. Male birds have shorter and thicker beaks than female birds and the base of their beaks are occasionally brighter red. In summer, the ‘chin strap’ of the adult bird is clearer. The top half of the juvenile is dull brownish-black, the tip of the beak is black, with the rest being pale orange, and it has greyish legs.

Size

Body length 39–44 cm (incl. beak 6.5–9 cm), wingspan 72–83 cm, body mass 380–520 g.

Similar species

Eurasian magpie.

Distribution

It breeds throughout Northern Europe and Central Eurasia and along the coast of Korea. It winters in North Africa and Southern Europe and along the Indian Ocean. It is a common breeding bird along Estonia’s coast and on the Western Estonian islands.

Population

Estonia has 2000–3000 breeding pairs.

Occurrence in Estonia

It arrives in the spring, between March and April and the migration lasts until the end of May. The autumn migration begins around late July and the last Eurasian oystercatchers leave us early September.

Diet

It feeds mostly on invertebrates, which it catches from the sand or shallow water with its long beak.

Habitat

The habitat is a shingle or sandy shore near the water or a low grass coast trampled by livestock. In any case, the habitat is linked to water. It is common along Estonia’s coast and on the Western Estonian islands.

Nesting

The courting ritual starts at the nesting site. It begins on the ground, with the male bird swinging his head from side to side while shrieking. It then jumps into the air and fly towards the nest, either with a mate or by itself. The Eurasian oystercatcher builds its nest on shingle. The bottom of the nest is lined with small, uniform pebbles. In early May, the female bird lays 3–4 rough-shelled greyish-yellow eggs with grey and black dots or stripes. The couple stays together; both parents incubate and care for the chicks. The chicks hatch in June and are capable of flight by the end of July.

Conservation status and protection

Not under protection. Natural enemies include gulls, crows and small predators.

Distribution and population in Lääne County

The Eurasian oystercatcher is a common breeding and migratory bird in the coastal areas of Lääne County. In Matsalu, they can be seen in Haeska, Keemu, Põgari and Cape Puise. During spring and summer, they can be seen on Vasikaholmi beach in Haapsalu and in Cape Põõsaspea near Noarootsi.
The best time to observe Eurasian oystercatchers migrating is between April and August at Cape Põõsaspea.