344 BIRDS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. 



The food of the Oystercatcher does not, as is 

 generally supposed, consist of oysters, but of shell- 

 fish generally ; oysters no doubt amongst the num- 

 ber, if it can catch them, but they are generally in too 

 deep water to give the bird a chance, as it does not 

 seek its food by diving ; mussels, shrimps, limpets 

 (which it detaches from the rocks with its powerful 

 beak), worms, shore-worms and marine insects make 

 up its bill of fare. Dr. Saxby* says it carries its 

 shell-fish to some convenient spot before it eats 

 them, just as the Thrush carries its snails to a stone 

 to break them, and that in such spots the shells 

 accumulate in considerable numbers. It does not 

 appear to me to do much feeding during the day, 

 but to sit quietly on the rocks, either pluming its 

 feathers or half asleep, but always with one eye open, 

 as anyone will find who tries to get a shot at it. 

 Although naturally a wild bird and difficult of ap- 

 proach, it is easily kept in confinement, and becomes 

 very tame, especially if taken when young. It is 

 considered a useful bird in the garden, as it eats 

 snails and worms, and failing these it may be fed on 

 bread, meat, cooked vegetables and rice. It swims 

 easily, but I do not know that I have ever seen it 

 take to the water of its own accord, but if wounded 

 it will swim very well and dive a little. 



The Oystercatcher is a fine handsome bird, and 



* ' Zoologist ' for 1865, p. 9590. 



