Its favourite habitat is along gravel bedded streams and shingle
beside lakes, rivers and seashores, but it can also be found
feeding in grass fields. Noisy and excitable both in winter
flocks and in breeding territory. It typically nests on the
ground, in the open or among low vegetation. With its black and
white plumage, orange beak and legs, and blood red eye, the
oystercatcher makes a striking picture. In flight, it shows a
wide white wing-stripe, a black tail, and a white rump that
extends as a 'V' between the wings. One characteristic display
is their so-called 'piping display' where both members of a pair
bow forwards with their bill pointing down to the ground
uttering prolonged chattering piping noises.