This large black and white wader is easy to identify with its bright red beak.

It breeds on nearly all UK coasts but is also found inland around wetlands.

All year round

It feeds heavily on cockles and mussels but inland it eats worms. Oystercatches spend most of the winter on the coast, often congregating in large numbers.

Fairly common and widespread in Britain, particularly around the coasts.

Only an occasional visitor to wetland sites in Leicestershire and Rutland.