Oystercatcher

📍 Local Expert Tip

“The Oystercatcher is a distinctive and noisy local resident which is adapting to man by breeding on flat roofs close to the river such as at Ricardo’s factory, on the airfield and even on apartment block roofs in Shoreham town centre.”

🔍 Overview

Bold, black-and-white with a vivid orange bill, the Oystercatcher is a classic sight on Sussex’s shorelines and estuaries.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Size: Large wader (40–45 cm)
Plumage: Black above, white below
Distinctive Marks: Red-orange bill, red legs
Bill: Long, straight, chisel-like
Tail: Square
Flight: Strong with loud calling

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Estuaries and coastlines: Lower Adur Valley, Widewater, Goring Gap and Shoreham Harbour

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Piercing “kleep-kleep.” Often seen in pairs or large noisy flocks.

🍴 Diet

Shellfish, worms, limpets.

📸 Birding Tip

Best seen on incoming tides when feeding birds are pushed closer to shore.