HULSCHER JB (1988) Short contributions: Mussel Mytilus edulis kills Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus. LIMOSA 61 (1): 42-42.

Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus An adult Oystercatcher was found dead with a relatively large mussel of about 55 mm length pinched onto its bil!. The bill tip had penetrated the shell at the ventral side at a position between the anterior and posterior adductor muscles. It is argued that when a bird opens a mussel by stabbing, as this bird surely intended to do, this position of the bill is fatal to the bird, as it enables the mussel to shut its shell firmly, because the posterior adductor cannot be damaged at the first moment of attack. To be successful the bill has to penetrate the shell at its posterior end (dorsally or ventrally) and it must be directed at the posterior adductor in order to severe this muscle immediately to such an extent that its resistant pull can be overcome.

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