Overview
Black Skimmer: Odd-looking, tern-like bird with black upperparts and white underparts. Bright red bill with black tip, lower mandible longer than upper. Long, slim wings are dark above and silver-gray below. Tail is white with black central feathers. Legs, feet are red. Direct flight.
Range and Habitat
Black Skimmer: Breeds along Atlantic and Gulf coasts from Massachusetts and Long Island to Florida and Texas. Spends winters north to southern California and Virginia; also in Central and South America. Preferred habitats include sandy or gravelly bars and beaches, shallow bays, estuaries, and salt marsh pools.
Topo Map:
Gull-like Body
Listen to Call
Voice Text
"kak-kak-kak", "kur-kur-kur"
Interesting Facts
A group of skimmers are collectively known as a "conspiracy", "embezzlement", and "scoop" of skimmers.
Bird Term Glossary
Author
Gary Owen Dick
Related Birds
Caspian Tern
Common Tern
Royal Tern
Bridled Tern
Sooty Tern
.