Black Skimmer [Rynchops niger]
Description
The Black Skimmer is the most widely distributed species in the Americas. With a black body and white underbelly, these birds are most known for their distinct bill shape, with the lower mandible being longer than the upper. They are often found in saltwater, or brackish environments and are known for their unique 'skimming' method of catching fish where they fly low and scoop their lower bill in the water to catch fish.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Birds
Aves
|
| Order |
Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
Charadriiformes
|
| Family |
Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
Laridae
|
| Genus |
Skimmers
Rynchops
|