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Black skimmer (Rynchops niger)

Black Skimmer

People are inevitably amazed the first time they see a black skimmer (Rynchops niger) flying just over the water, with lower mandible cutting the surface. When the skimmer connects with a fish, the head snaps down and the beak closes on the prey. This skillful flyer is black above and white below, with a red beak tipped with black. The black skimmer is the only bird to have a lower mandible longer than the upper. Undisturbed nest sites can be difficult to find because eggs are laid right on sandbars and beaches, usually among shell litter.


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