(Rynchops niger)
16 - 20 inches

photograph © Walker Golder

Status: Proposed for listing as Species of Special Concern.

Identification: Black Skimmers are easily identified by their black cap and mantle that contrasts with their white underparts. The most striking feature is the bi-colored bill (orange at the base with a black tip) with the lower mandible noticeably longer than the upper mandible. Skimmers feed by flying low over the water with their lower mandible slicing through the waterÕs surface. When skimmers encountered prey, they snap their bill shut to seize the prey.

Nesting Habitat: Black Skimmers usually nest on barrier beaches, natural islands and shoals, and on dredged-material islands. In other regions Black Skimmers will also nest on berms along highways, wrack on marsh islands and gravel roof tops.

Breeding Biology: Adults begin to arrive and initiate nesting activities in May, usually in mixed-species colonies with Common, Least, and/or Gull-billed Terns. The initiation of nesting activities is asynchronous, and egg-laying may continue until August. Nests are simple saucer-shaped depressions in the sand, usually in areas with little or no plant cover. The females lay four to five white to buff-colored eggs with bold dark brown or black blotches. Incubation requires about 23 days, and chicks fledge at 23 to 25 days. Colony sites may be occupied through mid-September.

Food: Food consists primarily of small fish and shrimp.

State Nesting Population: Declining, approximately 600 nesting pairs.

Major Threats: Human disturbances at nesting sites, including off-road vehicle traffic, recreation activity in the vicinity of nesting sites, unconstrained dogs and feral cats; and loss of suitable nesting sites.

Waterbirds:
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Last Revision 5/21/98