oystercatcher
2 synonyms for oystercatcher, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A black or pied wading bird of the genus Haematopus that lives on coasts and has a long red or orange bill for feeding on shellfish.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
sea-pie
sea-magpie
How to use oystercatcher
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a pair of oystercatchers
an oystercatcher's bill
oystercatchers on the shore
It's a standard ornithological term with no informal alternative in everyday English.
Etymology
The word joins oyster with catcher, describing the bird's habit of feeding on shellfish along the shore.
Full origin of oystercatcher →Frequently asked questions
What does an oystercatcher eat?
Oystercatchers feed mainly on shellfish such as oysters and mussels, prising them open with their long bill.
What colour is an oystercatcher's bill?
Its bill is long and coloured red or orange.
Is oystercatcher one word?
Yes, it is written as a single word formed from oyster and catcher.
