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Class:
Aves
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Order:
Ciconiiformes
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Family:
Laridae
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Subfamily:
Rynchopinae
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Genus:
Rynchops
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Species:
niger
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General description.
The "Black Skimmer" is able to skim the surface of the water for food due to the lower mandible being longer than the upper. Found on sandbars and beaches, the "Black Skimmer" feeds in shallow bays and along estuaries.Juvenile appearance.
The immature skimmer is a splotchy brown and has a shorter bill.Flight pattern.
Airplane like dives just above the water, cutting the surface with his blade like bill.Breeding habits.
This unusual bird breeds along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts south from Massachusetts to Florida and Texas.Calls or song.
The "Black Skimmer" calls with a sharp, barking noisePopulation and distribution.
Impressive colonies of up to 200 birds are attracted to the sand fill of newly dredged areas. As soon as too much grass grows, they abandon the site. The "Black Skimmer" winters north to southern California and Virginia.Nesting habits.
The female skimmer lays 3-4 brownish-buff eggs in the sand, decorated with shells and clumps of grass.Black Skimmer
Common names:
Black Skimmer
Scientific Name:
Rynchops niger
Tags:
Black uppers, white below, red legs and bill with black tip.
Black Skimmer Data:
Length: 18 in
Migratory: True
ABA Score: 1
Relative size:
Larger than a Robin