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Oyster-catchers
The brightly colored bill, twice as long as the head, compressed like a knife blade toward the end, is the chief distinguishing mark of birds of this small family. This tool is used to pry open the shells of mussels, oysters, clams, and other shellfish; 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.