Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

Black Skimmer

Status

Physical 

The Black Skimmer can reach up to 50 cm in length.  They have a black dorsal surface, and are white ventrally.  Their bills are red with a black tip.  Lower mandibles extend past the upper, enabling them to scoop the water.

Habitat

R. niger make their homes on coastal beaches and bays from Cape Cod to South America.  They winter in the southern part of this range.

Feeding 

Black Skimmers eat small fish, insects, and smaller crustaceans such as shrimp.

Black Skimmer
Image by 'Googie man' on Wikimedia