Black Skimmer Rhynchops niger

Identification Tips:

• Length: 17 inches
• Sexes similar
• Skims surface of water with bill searching for prey
• Large bill with orange base and black tip; lower mandible longer than upper
• Short white tail with black center
• Very dark upperparts
• White forehead and underparts
• Dark upperwing with white trailing edge
• Pale underwings
• Red legs
• Duller above in winter
• Immatures are mottled above

Similar species:

None

Length and wingspan from: Robbins, C.S., Bruun, B., Zim, H.S., (1966). Birds of North America. New York: Western Publishing Company, Inc.