Black Skimmer, Rynchops niger
The Black Skimmer, Rynchops niger, is is a member of the Skimmer family of which there are three members. It has traditionally been thought to be close to the tern family.
They are born with equal size mandibles but the lower grows longer very soon. There unusual feeding behavior gives them their name as they fly close to the surface of the water with their lower mandible skimming through the water. When they hit a prey item, the top snaps shut.
It seems to me that they would be in danger of hitting some obstruction and damaging themselves but perhaps their vision is good enough to keep them from harm.
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Beautiful!
Comment by CGJ — February 24, 2012 @ 11:41 am
Interesting little write up, amazing bird and beautiful photos.
You’d think the bird’s eyesight must have some form of polarising ability to see into the water also.
If so; maybe that would help avoid injury.
Cheers,
Glen.
Comment by Glen Webber — February 29, 2012 @ 10:27 pm
Exceptional post but I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Kudos!
Comment by peyton manning — March 8, 2012 @ 3:41 am