Shore Birds 



Oyster Catchers 



(Family HcematopodidceJ 



The brightly colored bill, twice as long as the head, com- 

 pressed like a knife blade toward the end, is the chief distin- 

 guishing mark of birds of this small family. This tool is used to 

 pry open the shells of mussels, oysters, clams, and other shell- 

 fish; hence Dr. Coues suggests oyster-opener as a better name 

 for these birds, since oysters don't run fast ! Rather large birds, 

 dark colored and white in masses; the plumage of the sexes 

 similar; the legs stout and rough; no hind toe; the wings long 

 and pointed for long sea flights. 



American Oyster Catcher 



195 



