Black Skimmer

The Black Skimmer, Rynchops niger, presents a striking silhouette with its tern-like appearance and unique bill structure. The species is the largest among the three skimmer species, measuring 40–50 cm in length with a wingspan of 107–127 cm. Males tend to be heavier than females, averaging around 349 g compared to the females' 254 g. The bird's most distinctive feature is its bill; the basal half is a vivid red, transitioning to black, with the lower mandible significantly elongated. Its eyes are notable for their dark brown irises and vertical pupils, a rarity among birds. The legs of the Black Skimmer are a vibrant red.

Identification Tips

Adult Black Skimmers in breeding plumage boast a black crown, nape, and upper body, with a contrasting white forehead and underparts. Their upper wings are black with a white rear edge, while the tail and rump are dark grey with white edges. The underwing color can range from white to dusky grey. Non-breeding adults display paler, browner upperparts and a white nape collar. Immature birds can be identified by their brown upperparts with white feather tips and fringes, white underparts and forehead, and adult-like underwings.

Habitat

Black Skimmers are commonly found on sandbars, rivers, coasts, and lagoons, where they can be seen loafing gregariously.

Distribution

The species breeds in North and South America. Northern populations migrate to the Caribbean and tropical and subtropical Pacific and Atlantic coasts during winter, while South American populations make shorter movements in response to annual floods.

Behaviour

Black Skimmers exhibit a light, graceful flight and are known to feed in large flocks. They are social birds, often seen resting together on sandbars. When feeding, they fly low over the water, skimming the surface with their lower mandible to catch prey.

Song & Calls

The call of the Black Skimmer is a distinctive barking "kak-kak-kak."

Breeding

Breeding occurs in loose groups on sandbanks and sandy beaches. Both parents incubate the 3 to 7 dark-blotched buff or bluish eggs. Chicks are precocial, leaving the nest shortly after hatching and relying on their parents for shade and food.

Diet and Feeding

Black Skimmers feed on small fish, insects, crustaceans, and molluscs, which they detect by touch while skimming the water. They primarily feed at night but may also forage during the day.

Conservation status

The Black Skimmer is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of widespread decline.