The Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus), also known as the Common Pied Oystercatcher are the most widespread of the oystercatchers. The Oystercatcher is one of the largest waders in the region. It is 40–45 centimetres (16–18 in) long (bill 8–9 cm) with a wing-span 80–85 centimetres (31–33 in).[1] They are obvious and noisy plover-like birds, with black and white plumage, red legs and strong broad red bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs such as mussels or for finding earthworms.