Birds of Colombia

    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.


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