Black Skimmer
ExploreBirds
Black Skimmer
Rynchops niger
The Black Skimmer is a unique bird known for its long, thin bill that helps it catch fish by skimming the water. With its striking black and white feathers, it looks very cool while flying over the beach!
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The Black Skimmer has a striking black back and cap contrasting with a pristine white belly. Its most distinctive feature is a unique bright orange-red bill with a black tip, where the lower mandible is much longer than the upper, unlike any other bird.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyLaridaeGenusRynchops
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Baby skimmers are born with equal-sized bills, which change as they grow.
Skimmers close their eyes just before their bill hits the water to protect them!
Their lower jaw is the only one in the bird world longer than the upper!
They sometimes use their long lower bill to 'plow' nest scrapes in the sand.
Special abilities
Ability
Underwater Blade
Black Skimmer can hunt by flying with its lower bill slicing through the water's surface, helping them catch fish by touch.
Ability
Precision Scooper
Black Skimmer has a specialized lower mandible that is longer than the upper, helping them expertly scoop prey from the water.
Ability
Night Vision Bill
Black Skimmer can often feed at night because their keen sense of touch in their bill helps them find fish in the dark.
Ability
Glare-Proof Eyes
Black Skimmer has vertical, cat-like pupils that help them reduce glare and see clearly when hunting in bright sun.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 40-50 cm
- Wingspan
- 107-127 cm
- Weight
- 0.25-0.4 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-20 years
- Top Speed
- 50 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 2-5
- Incubation
- 21-25 days
- Migration Distance
- 5000 km
Diet & Feeding
Mostly small fish, caught by skimming their unique bill across the water!
Primary Foods
- mullet
- silversides
- anchovies
- shrimp
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
eaten by
American Herring Gull
Larus smithsonianus
Gulls prey on skimmer eggs and young chicks.
eaten by
American Crow
Corvus brachyrhynchos
Crows snatch eggs and small skimmer chicks.
eaten by
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
Raccoons raid nests for eggs and chicks.
symbiotic with
Common Tern
Sterna hirundo
Often nests alongside terns for added colony protection.
Traits
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Gliding
Gliding animals move through the air by launching themselves and maintaining flight with specialized body structures, without flapping wings.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Watch from a distance and don't disturb their nests on the beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Black Skimmer?
40-50 cm
What is Black Skimmer's wingspan?
107-127 cm
How much does Black Skimmer weigh?
0.25-0.4 kg
How long does Black Skimmer live?
10-20 years
How fast can Black Skimmer move?
50 km/h
What does Black Skimmer eat?
Mostly small fish, caught by skimming their unique bill across the water!
Where is Black Skimmer usually found?
Coastal areas
How does Black Skimmer hunt?
Pursuit
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