Black Skimmer
The Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) is a tern-like seabird, one of three similar bird 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 South American populations 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 females 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
HJ Ruiz – November 17th, 2023
H.J. Ruiz - Avian101 
Love the first photo with the reflections HJ 🙂
I could not pass in that one, its deeply artistic! Thanks, BB! 🙂
One of the all time great birds to watch fish. Birders run to see Roseate Spoonbills, bird photographers run towards the Black Skimmers. 👍
All these tricks are what makes a photographer look good! Thanks, Ted! 🙂
These look so different – great set of photos HJ and interesting information.
They look very much like the Sooty Terns only black and with a big beak. Thank you , Chris! 🙂
I liked the top picture in particular. They were really skimming.
Thank you very much, Tom! 🙂