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Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES FAMILY: LARIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Black Skimmer Photo

© William L. Newton / CLO

The remarkable bill of the Black Skimmer is sets it apart from all other American birds. The large red and black bill is knife-thin and the lower mandible is longer than the upper. The bird drags the lower bill through the water as it flies along, hoping to catch small fish.

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Appearance

Gull-like
Gull-like
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized to large waterbird.
  • Long red and black bill; lower half longest.
  • Black back and cap.
  • Underparts white.
  • Very short red legs.
  • Long, pointd wings.

Immature Description

Similar to adult, but with mottled black-and-white back and head.

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Similar Species

  • American Oystercatcher in similar habitats and has a large red bill, but it has sturdy legs, short wings, a brown back, and a bold white stripe in the open wing.
  • Gulls are bulkier, with shorter wings and bill.
  • Terns have mostly white backs and wings and shorter bills.