Black Skimmer, Rynchops niger


Black Skimmer
Above, a skimmer skimming -- flying with the lower mandible of the bill cutting through the water. Below: when a fish or other object is contacted, the bird instantly snaps its bill shut and tucks its head and neck to secure the prey, as this bird is doing.


Black Skimmer


Black Skimmer

Black Skimmer
Above, a skimmer in non-breeding plumage, with a white and gray nape; below, the breeding plumage, with solid black connecting crown to mantle.


Black Skimmer


Black Skimmer


Black Skimmer

Black  Skimmer

Black Skimmer
Note the crack in the lower mandible near the tip, shown above; and below, what appears to be a broken-off lower mandible tip in the adult bird on the left, facing off with a begging juvenile. The feeding method of the skimmer must create substantial risks of injuries of this kind. The adult of the pair below is molting from breeding to non-breeding plumage, as gray/white feathers are emerging on the nape.


Black Skimmers


Black Skimmer
A juvenile standing, above; one hovering, below.


Black Skimmer


Black Skimmers
Adult and juvenile flying together.


Black Skimmers
A single juvenile (tan cap) right in the middle surrounded by eight adults (black caps), four on each side.


Black Skimmers
Nine juvenile Black Skimmers flying together in formation, with no adults along.


Black Skimmers
A Black Skimmer on the Texas Gulf Coast flying over five Sandwich Terns, four Black Skimmers, three Royal Terns, and a single Laughing Gull. No partridge or pear tree.


Black Skimmer
Finally, the reflection of a flying Black Skimmer.