Latin: Haematopus ostralegus (Linné 1758)Svenska: StrandskataDeutsch: Austernfischer
A taste for shellfishWhy does the oystercatcher have such a long, strong beak? It uses it to pick up mussels and snails from the sand. With its specially formed beak, it can even break oysters apart.
The oystercatcher can be found in the archipelago and around lake Mälaren.
Between July and September, the oystercatcher migrates to France, and returns in April.
Photo: Andreas Trepte©
Latest sightings of oystercatchers in Uppland
NatureGate on the oystercatcher
Wikipedia article on the oystercatcher
Video of the oystercatcher digging in the sand (Youtube)