Black Skimmer
Black Skimmer
The Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) is a tern-like seabird, one of three very similar birds species in the skimmer genus Rynchops in the gull family Laridae. It breeds in North and South America. Northern populations winter in the warmer waters of the Caribbean and the tropical and subtropical Pacific coasts, but the South American races make only shorter movements in response to annual floods which extend their feeding areas in the river shallows.
The black skimmer is the largest of the three skimmer species. It measures 40–50 cm (16–20 in) long with a 107–127 cm (42–50 in) wingspan. This species ranges from 212 to 447 g (7.5 to 15.8 oz), with males averaging about 349 g (12.3 oz), as compared to the smaller female’s 254 g (9.0 oz). The basal half of the bill is red, the rest mainly black, and the lower mandible is much-elongated. The eye has a dark brown iris and catlike vertical pupil, unique for a bird. The legs are red. The call is a barking kak-kak-kak.
Photo Gallery
H.J. Ruiz - Avian101 
Amazingly long bill! What a distinctive bird!
It really is! It cuts the water like a scissor to get fish. Thank you Chris! 🙂
I can never seem to get enough of the skimmers. I could watch them for hours as they glide and skim. Love those beautiful mandibles that work so brilliantly. You did a good job of highlighting this beauty with lovely photos and information, HJ — thank you.
I know the feeling my dear, I admire any skills of any animals, in this case birds like the skimmers. I’m sure that you do that too. Thank you for your wonderful comments. 🙂