Tjaldur - Oystercatcher
Haematopus ostralegus

The Oystercatcher is primarily a migratory bird,
only a few birds spend the winter in Iceland.
The Oystercatchers orange bill is adapted for opening molluscs,
and is used either to hammer them open
or stabbing the muscle that closes the shells.
The young learn the method by imitating their parents.
Length is about 44 cms - about 17 inches.

The stamp was issued in 1987 with a face value of 70 krónur.
Artist: Þröstur Magnússon
Printed in Heliogravure by Courvoisier.


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