Eurasian Oystercatcher

Haematopus ostralegus

(H. o. longipes, H. o. ostralegus)

Armenian Name:	Կտցար կաչաղակ

See Plate 24 for Eurasian Oystercatcher and other similar species

Resident Status:	Migrant
Abundance:	Rare
Length:	40-45 cm, Wing Span:80-86 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 109.
Description:	Stout long-billed sandpiper with a striking black-and-white pattern and bold white wing stripe in flight.
Adult:	Red-orange bill, reddish eye, and pink legs.
Adult (Breeding):	Black areas are glossy.
Adult (Non-breeding):	White half-collar; black duller. H. o. longipes is brown-black rather than black and has a longer bill.
Juvenile:	Browner than adult with grayish legs and bill.
Behavior:	Direct and level flight. Feeds by probing in mud.
Habitat:	Fish ponds, lake shores, rivers.
Food:	Soft-bodied invertebrates.