Black Skimmer
Rynchops niger 黑剪嘴鸥
The Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) is a medium to large water bird about 20 inches (40‑50 cm) long with a distinctive long lower mandible, black back and cap, white underparts, and bright red/orange bill and legs. It skims coastal waters in a direct flight, using its unique beak to catch fish, and is known for its harsh, dog‑like bark.
- First spotted
- 1 May 2026
- Seen at 2 places
- Cape May, NJChincoteague, VA
- Group
- Water
Field marks
- Length
- 20 in · 51 cm
- Colours
- Black · Orange · White
- Wings
- Broad · Long · Pointed · Tapered
- Tail
- Notched · Short
- In flight
- Direct Flight · Flap/Glide · Soaring
- Movement
- Migratory
- World population
- 800,000