Eurasian oystercatcher

Introduction: Eurasian oystercatchers (Haematopus ostralegus) inhabit coastal areas, estuaries and lagoons. They are a solitary bird, often roosting and foraging by day and night with the African black oystercatcher.
Distribution: Central Namibian coast, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.

Diet: Mainly invertebrates, such as oysters and mussels.

Description: Plump shorebird with strong, but short legs.

Breeding: Females lay between 2 and 4 patterned eggs in a shallow scrape in the ground. Both adults will feed their chicks for around 14 days. Haematopus is Greek for ' blood foot' a reference to their reddish legs.

Size: 45cm.

Weight: 520g.

Wingspan: 85cm.