Black Skimmer Rhynchops niger

Identification Tips:

• 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