Indian Skimmer
Rynchops albicollis
The Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis) is a rare skimmers, noddies, terns, and gull found in 5 countries, weighing about 209 g. The Indian skimmer or Indian scissors-bill, is one of the three species that belong to the skimmer genus Rynchops in the family Laridae.
About the Indian Skimmer
The Indian skimmer or Indian scissors-bill, is one of the three species that belong to the skimmer genus Rynchops in the family Laridae. They are somewhat tern-like but like other skimmers, have a short upper mandible and the longer lower mandible that is ploughed along the surface of water as the bird flies over the water to pick aquatic prey. It is found in southern Asia, where it is patchily distributed and declining in numbers. They are mainly found in rivers or estuaries. They are very brightly marked in black, white and orange, making them difficult to miss.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
This bird has a black cap and orange bill that contrasts with the white body. With its long wings it looks tern-like and is about 40–43 cm long with a wingspan of 108 cm. The upper parts of the body are dark black and the underparts are white. The black cap on the head leaves the forehead and nape white. The wings are long and pointed with a white trailing edge. The short, forked tail is white with blackish central feathers. The long, thick bill is orange with a yellow tip and, like the other skimmers, has a lower mandible which is longer than the upper mandible. The legs and feet are red.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Thailand.
When to see it
Best months: January, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in January. It is a winter visitor species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify an Indian Skimmer?
- This bird has a black cap and orange bill that contrasts with the white body. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is an Indian Skimmer?
- The Indian Skimmer is a medium sized bird weighing about 209 g.
- Where can you see an Indian Skimmer?
- The Indian Skimmer occurs in 5 countries, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar (Burma).
- What birds look similar to an Indian Skimmer?
- The Indian Skimmer is most easily confused with the African Skimmer and the Black Skimmer.
- Is the Indian Skimmer endangered?
- The Indian Skimmer is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Indian Skimmer for real
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