Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Rynchopidae
The Black Skimmer is a distinctive waterbird found along rivers, lakes, and coastal lagoons of Patagonia. It is easily recognized by its black upperparts, white underparts, and a long, laterally compressed bill with a bright orange base. The lower mandible extends beyond the upper, a rare adaptation among birds. Black Skimmers are highly social, often nesting and roosting in large colonies on sandy or gravelly shores. Their graceful flight, with slow, steady wingbeats and low gliding over water, is a familiar sight in their range. This species is mostly active at dawn and dusk, when it forages for small fish and aquatic invertebrates. The Black Skimmer’s unusual feeding technique and striking appearance make it a favorite among birdwatchers and researchers alike.
Habitat
In Patagonia, Black Skimmers inhabit sandy riverbanks, lakeshores, estuaries, and coastal lagoons.
Foraging
Feeds by flying low over water, skimming the surface with its lower mandible to catch small fish and aquatic prey.
