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.

Image by ‘Googie man’ on Wikimedia

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.