oystercatcher

or oys·ter catch·er

[ oi-ster-kach-er ]

noun

1. any of several long-billed wading birds of the genus Haematopus that have chiefly black-and-white plumage and that feed on oysters, clams, mussels, etc.

oystercatcher

/ ˈɔɪstəˌkætʃə /

noun

1. any shore bird of the genus Haematopus and family Haematopodidae, having a black or black-and-white plumage and a long stout laterally compressed red bill

Word History and Origins

Origin of oystercatcher¹

An Americanism dating back to 1725–35; oyster + catcher

Example Sentences

They range from seven to 14 centimeters wide, which is similar to tracks of modern-day shorebirds, such as small herons and oystercatchers.

From Science Daily

It has 20% of the UK's hen harriers, 11% of its breeding seabirds and vital populations of curlew, lapwing, and oystercatcher.

From BBC

"Brownsea Island is a part of an internationally important wetland and marine conservation zone, and is a haven for wildlife, including oystercatchers and sandwich terns," a spokesperson said.

From BBC

This also is an excellent bird-watching spot for black oystercatchers and harlequin ducks.

From Seattle Times

The group has been fighting to preserve Wilhelmshaven’s lush wetlands, which are home to oystercatchers and swallows and attract migrating cranes, geese and ducks.

From New York Times