The Oystercatcher is a very distinct bird with its black and white feathers and striking pointy red beak. Their loud ‘peeping’ call can also be easily distinguished around the coastline. Oystercatchers have a long-flattened beak which they use to catch their prey and prise open shells. Oystercatchers mainly feed on shellfish, including mussels and periwinkles. Whilst mainly known as being a coastal bird, the Oystercatcher can also be seen in some inland areas where they breed on inland waterways such as rivers and lakes. Most will still spend their winters on the coastline.  

There are twelve species of Oystercatcher in the world. Each species looks very similar with either black and white colouration or plain black, with a red bill and pink legs. A further species of oystercatcher became extinct in the 20th century.