Birds of Ecuador

    CHARADRIIFORMES: Laridae (Gulls, Terns, Skimmers)  
Genus: Rynchops (1 species, 3 worldwide)


Black Skimmer
Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger)
Florida, United States  
   
Photograph by Andy Morffew     Copyright and usage info

Skimmers fly low over the surface of the water with the lower mandible touching the water. When the bill hits a fish it snaps shut in a fraction of a second. Skimmers are local in coastal habitats, but sometimes in big groups.


© Tom Friedel - All Rights Reserved, except for images and data otherwise noted.       Colombia       Panama       Ecuador       Costa Rica       Mexico
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