The Oystercatcher
OystercatcherHaematopus
ostralegus L 43. Breeds commonly along coasts,
on islands and coastal meadows, locally also
inland. Shorebird, which can open large bivalves
with skilful incisions, but also does a lot
of feeding on fields. Heavy build, unmistakably
pied black and white, noisy. Bill coral-red,
legs pink. A white bar across the throat, in
winter plumage and some juveniles. Flies low
over the water, announcing itself with a shrill
'ke BEEK, keBEEK'. The bowed wings are beaten
quickly and shallowly, and flight therefore
closely resembles that of duck. Migrating flocks,
usually in an arc shape. Flight display has
slow, stiff wingbeats like the plovers. In spring
often tuns around in circles in groups with
the neck held forwards and downwards and open
bill pointing downwards, uttering trilling 'beek,
beek, beek, birrrrrrrrr iBEEK-iBEEK . . .'.
Alarm a shrill, short 'beek'. RWP
An
excellent pocket reference book for recognising
birds is the Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain
and Europe, which is a comprehensive reference
guide to Britain and mainland Europe's plethora
of ornithological life.
