A large coastal wading bird characterized by its distinctive black and white plumage and long, bright orange-red bill, adapted for probing and extracting marine invertebrates from coastal and intertidal zones.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Rocky and sandy shorelines, estuaries, mudflats, and coastal marine environments across Europe and Asia, ranging from Arctic to temperate regions with abundant shellfish populations
Ecological Role
Key predator in coastal ecosystems, controlling invertebrate populations and serving as an important indicator species for coastal ecosystem health and climate change impacts
Morphology
SKIN COATBlack and white plumage, bright orange-red bill, pinkish-grey legs
LIMBS WINGSLong, sturdy legs adapted for wading, wingspan of 75-85 cm, powerful flight muscles enabling long-distance migrations
HEAD SENSORYLarge eyes, acute visual perception, specialized bill with sensitive tip for detecting prey beneath sediment surfaces
BODY STRUCTURELarge shorebird, approximately 40-45 cm in length, weighing 500-650 g, with robust build and distinctive black and white plumage
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Hobbyfotowiki
