rynchops

Rynchops, commonly known as skimmers, are a genus of three species of seabirds belonging to the family Laridae. These birds are characterized by their unique and specialized bills, which are longer on the lower mandible than the upper. This adaptation allows them to feed by skimming the surface of the water with their lower bill, capturing small fish and crustaceans.

The three species are the Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) found in the Americas, the African Skimmer (Rynchops flavirostris) found in Africa, and the Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis) found in South Asia. Skimmers are typically found in coastal and estuarine environments, often nesting in colonies on sandy beaches or islands.

Their breeding behavior involves ground nesting, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties. Skimmers are social birds and can often be seen foraging and roosting in groups. Their populations are subject to threats from habitat loss, pollution, and disturbance at nesting sites, leading to conservation concerns for some species. The distinctive bill morphology and foraging technique make Rynchops a fascinating group of birds within the avian world.