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Meet our Wildlife
Meet our Wildlife

Oystercatcher

Wading Birds
Gulls
Coastal Birds

Oystercatcher

Scientific Name: ( Haematopus ostralegus )
Easily recognised by their black and white plumage, pink legs and large orange bills, the oystercatcher is hard to miss along our coastline. They are noisy birds, and you can typically hear them before you see them.
The Oystercatcher is a large wading bird that is a common resident in the UK all year round. They are typically found along the coast and at estuaries, but populations are also increasing at inland sites. They specialise in eating shellfish and use their strong, flattened bills to prise open muscles and cockles.
One of the easiest wading birds to identify, the Oystercatcher is large, stocky with a black and white body. They have a long, bright orange bill, pink legs and an orange eye ring. When they are in flight, they have an obvious white wing-stripe, a black tail and a white rump that extends as a ‘V’ between the wings. They are easily recognised by a distinctive high pitch “peep-ing” call.
Despite their strong presence along UK shores, Oystercatcher are amber listed in the UK and populations are suffering declines across Europe. As this species predominantly eat bivalves, their decline is thought to be linked to the shellfish industry reducing the amount of available prey. Although they are not listed in the Special Protection Areas that cover the coast in Sunderland, our shores are very important to their survival, as the UK holds up to 45% of Europe’s population during winter.
They are often spotted feeding at the coast or roosting on jetties and piers during high tide. They can also be found foraging for insects and worms on nearby grassland. Good locations to spot them in Sunderland are highlighted on the map below. Always remember to follow our guidance when it comes to reducing bird disturbance.
KEY FACTS
CONSERVATION STATUS | Amber
LENGTH | 40-45cm
WINGSPAN | 80-86cm
WHEN TO SEE THEM | All year round

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