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Department of Biological Sciences (BIO)

Roof-breeding Oystercatchers

The Eurasian Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus are nesting again on the Realfagbygget roof.

Photo:
Arild Breistøl

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The Eurasian Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus usually breed on the ground in open areas. The concept of roof-breeding is known from different sites. Aberdeen in Scotland is known for its population of roof-breeding Oystercatchers, counting about 230 pairs in 2004. In other countries the phenomenon is more uncommon, but is recorded (at least) in the Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Latvia, Germany and Norway.

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