The Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) is part of the gull family of seabirds and have many nicknames like scissor-bill, shearwater, and seadog. Black skimmers have long wings, black and white feathers, and a bill that is half red and half black. Black skimmers can be found in both North and South America and prefer coastal waters like lagoons, ocean beaches, and bays. Their diet mostly consists of small fish that are just below the surface of the water and small crustaceans and find their prey through touch. Black skimmers are not in danger of extinction and are listed as least concern.
The Black Skimmer has a wingspan in the range of 42.1”-50” (107-127 cm) and total weight of .6-.8 lb (.25-.37 kg). The body of the Black Skimmer has an overall length between 15.75”-19.7” (40-50 cm), body width of 3.7”-4.7” (9.5-12 cm), and standing height of roughly 8.3”-10.4” (21-26.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Black Skimmer is between 5-20 years.
The Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) is part of the gull family of seabirds and have many nicknames like scissor-bill, shearwater, and seadog. Black skimmers have long wings, black and white feathers, and a bill that is half red and half black. Black skimmers can be found in both North and South America and prefer coastal waters like lagoons, ocean beaches, and bays. Their diet mostly consists of small fish that are just below the surface of the water and small crustaceans and find their prey through touch. Black skimmers are not in danger of extinction and are listed as least concern.
The Black Skimmer has a wingspan in the range of 42.1”-50” (107-127 cm) and total weight of .6-.8 lb (.25-.37 kg). The body of the Black Skimmer has an overall length between 15.75”-19.7” (40-50 cm), body width of 3.7”-4.7” (9.5-12 cm), and standing height of roughly 8.3”-10.4” (21-26.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Black Skimmer is between 5-20 years.
