The black skimmer is a tern-like seabird, one of three similar bird species in the skimmer genus Rynchops in the gull family Laridae. It breeds in North and South America. Northern populations winter in the warmer waters of the Caribbean and the tropical and subtropical Pacific and Atlantic coasts, but South American populations make only shorter movements in response to annual floods which extend their feeding areas in the river shallows.
Region
North and South America
Typical Environment
Found along ocean coasts, estuaries, lagoons, and large rivers throughout the Americas. They breed on open sandy beaches, barrier islands, and river sandbars with minimal vegetation. Outside the breeding season, they frequent calm coastal waters, bays, and river mouths where skimming is most effective. In South America they also use expansive river systems and seasonally flooded shallows.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Black skimmers have a unique bill with a longer lower mandible used to slice the water’s surface to catch fish. They are crepuscular feeders and often forage in groups over calm waters. Unusually for birds, their pupils are vertical slits, helping reduce glare from reflective water. They nest colonially on open sandy beaches and sandbars, making them sensitive to disturbance and flooding.
Black Skimmers often sleep flat on the ground with their beaks extended.
feeding in water, Texas
Feeding, Brazil
Temperament
social and colonial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with buoyant, steady wingbeats low over water
Social Behavior
Breeds in dense colonies, often alongside terns. Nests are shallow scrapes on open sand; both parents incubate and feed the young. Pairs are generally monogamous within a season and defend a small territory around the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, barking kek or kak notes given in flight and around colonies. Calls carry well over surf and within noisy breeding groups.
