The Oystercatchers are a group of waders; they form the
family Haematopodidae, which has a single genus, Haematopus.
They are large obvious and noisy plover-like birds, with
strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs.In
some species, the bill shape varies according to the diet.
Those birds with blade-like bill tips prise open or smash
mollusc shells, and those with pointed bill tips tend
to probe for worms. They are found on coasts worldwide
apart from the polar regions. They are all-black, black
and white or brown and white in appearance. Their eggs
are laid in a shallow scrape on shingle. Oystercatcher
eggs are grey and speckled, providing camouflage against
the grey rock background. They are pointed at one end.
Contrary to popular belief, the purpose of this is not
to provide space for the chick's long beaks (their long
beaks develop after hatching). The pointed shape is thought
to prevent the eggs from rolling down a steep slope.
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