Taxonomy
Haematopus ostralegus | Eurasian Oystercatcher | Roilleach
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
This species is Red-listed
according to Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026 and is of high
conservation value as a result.
The last IUCN Red List
assessment, carried out in 2019, notes the Oystercatcher as a ‘Near Threatened’
species on a global scale. Additionally, the population was assessed as
decreasing.
Species Biology
Identification
The Oystercatcher is a
distinctive wader species, identified by its large body with a black head and
upperparts, white underparts, vibrant orange-red bill and long, pink legs.
A typical Oystercatcher stands at
40-45 cm in length with a wingspan of 80-86 cm and a weight range of 430-650
grams.
Diet
This species feeds mainly on
invertebrates such as cockles and mussels. Additionally, it feeds along
grassland habitats where the diet will primarily consist of crane fly larvae
and worms.
Habitat
Suitable breeding habitat for
this species includes beaches, dune systems, salt marshes and rocky shores,
most on off-shore islands.
Suitable wintering habitats
include open sandy coasts.
Reproduction
The female lays a clutch of 2-3
eggs, each weighing approximately 46.5 grams, between mid-April and mid-June. The
incubation period for the eggs is 24-27 days and both the male and the female
share the incubation.
The young will fledge after 34-37
days.
A typical wild Oystercatcher can
expect to live for twelve years with breeding occurring after four years.
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
Resident populations of
Oystercatcher are present in Ireland but numbers are bolstered in the winter by
visitors from Iceland and the Faeroes.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
Further information
BirdWatch Ireland: https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/oystercatcher/
The Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/oystercatcher/
British Trust for Ornithology: https://app.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob4500.htm
IUCN Red List: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22693613/154998347