Rhynchops

Rhynchops, commonly known as skimmers, are a genus of three species of seabirds belonging to the family Rynchopidae. These birds are found along coastlines and major rivers in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The most distinctive feature of Rhynchops is their unusually shaped bill, which is elongated and flattened with a remarkably long, thin, and vertically flattened lower mandible. This unique adaptation allows them to feed by skimming the surface of the water. They fly low over the water with their lower mandible submerged, scooping up small fish and crustaceans. When the lower mandible strikes prey, the bird snaps its bill shut.

Skimmers are typically black and white with a white underside and a black back and wings. Their wings are long and narrow, suited for active flight. They are often seen in flocks, especially during the non-breeding season. Their nesting habits vary by species, but they generally nest in colonies on sandy beaches or riverbanks, laying their eggs in shallow scrapes. The three species are the African skimmer (Rhynchops flavirostris), the Indian skimmer (Rhynchops albicollis), and the black skimmer (Rhynchops niger), which is found in the Americas. All three species are listed as near threatened or vulnerable due to habitat loss and disturbance.