Shorebirds

Unique seabird that skims the water with its lower bill

Black Skimmers have one of the most unusual feeding styles in the bird world. They fly low over calm water with their elongated lower bill slicing through the surface, snapping shut when it touches a fish. Large colonies often gather on sandbars and quiet beaches.

How to Identify a Black Skimmer
Black back, white belly, red-and-black bill with longer lower mandible.

Where You’ll See Them
Calm coastal waters, bays, sandbars, and beaches.

What They Eat
Small fish and aquatic prey caught while skimming water.

When to Spot Them
Spring through fall in many coastal regions.

Fun Facts
The lower half of their bill is longer than the upper half.

Beach Etiquette Tip
Avoid approaching nesting colonies on sandbars.

Related Shorebirds
Royal Tern
Least Tern
Gull-billed Tern