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.