The Eurasian Oystercatcher breeds on open ground, often on beach gravel, rocks, fields or meadows near water. The female normally lays 2–4 eggs in a shallow scrape, and both parents incubate. The young are fed by the parents for an unusually long time for a wader — this is because it takes practice and experience to learn to open mussels. The Eurasian Oystercatcher becomes sexually mature late and can live to a great age, often over 20 years.