black sea red data book - Department of Biology

Synonyms: None.
Haematopus ostralegus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Common names: Bulg: Stridoyad; Engl: Oystercatcher; Rom: Scoicar; Russ: Kulik-
soroka, Turk: Poyraz kusu; Ukr: Kulyk-soroka.
Order CHARADRIIFORMES
Family HAEMATOPODIDAE
Taxonomic description. Haematopus ostralegus is one of four (according to other
sources 7-8) species of Haematopus (Linnaeus, 1758). The Black Sea region is
populated by the nominal subspecies, H. o. ostralegus. The Azov-Black Sea
population is subject to annual fluctuations related to weather conditions during the
year. Its size is estimated at between 250 and 400 pairs.
IUCN Status
World level: VU
Black Sea Regional level: VU
Subregion level: VU
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Breeding habitats
are sandy sites on islands, spits and big rivers, coasts and estuaries. The species was
recorded breeding on agricultural lands (bare fallow, degraded fallow, perennial
herbs) in recent years. Feeding birds occur exclusively in shallow areas and along the
water-line.
Biology. A breeding, usually migratory species. Arrival depends on weather
conditions and has been recorded from late February till late March. Breeding begins
in mid April. The nest is a small deepening in the ground, almost without any
bedding. The clutch consists of three eggs. Chicks hatch from the end of May till
early June, fledglings occur from late June. Autumn migration is prolonged from
August and lingers till early October. As a rule, Haematopus ostralegus preys on
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