Rynchops niger ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES FAMILY: LARIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

• Similar Species
• Related Species
• Go to: Black Skimmer Black Scoter Black Phoebe Black-throated Gray Warbler Black-necked Stilt Black-headed Gull Black-headed Grosbeak

© Phillip Simmons

The remarkable bill of the Black Skimmer 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.