by Jenn Zamorsky

Created on: October 31, 2008

Skimmers are those beautifully large birds that skim over the surfaces of water to feed. Although there are 3 distinct species of skimmers, they all are quite similar to each other. Their flight is very light and graceful which makes catching their food much easier. Their lower mangible is always longer than their upper mangible, which also makes for easier hunting. Although all skimmers tend to have the same physical characteristics, they all have certain distinguishable marking that make them different from one another. Skimmers belong to the order of Charadriiform, in the sub order of Lari. They are grouped together with gulls, allies and terns. Indian Skimmers, Black Skimmers and African Skimmers are the 3 distinct species that can be found in South Asia, the Americas, and Africa.

INDIAN SKIMMER

The Indian Skimmer can only be found in Southern Asia near large rivers, lakes, wetlands and swamps. More specifically, the Indian Skimmer can be found in parts of Pakistan, northern and southern India, Bangladesh and Burma. The Indian Skimmer has a split colored body: the top of the body being black, and it's under belly is white. They have a white collar and white forehead; their wing span can reach up to 108 cm. The tail is very short with black feathers and their legs and feet are red. But of course, the more amazing physical trait is it's beak. The Indian Skimmer has a long, thick bill that is great for catching fish in waters native to their homeland. Usually, the Indian Skimmer will stick to freshwater, especially around breeding season. Their nest is made from simples scraps they find and is placed on the ground. Eggs are usually laid between March and May, the female having 3 to 5 eggs. As adults, The Indian Skimmers love to forage for food by flying over waters, and catching fish mainly. Other foods they enjoy are crustaceans, insects. They usually feed during dusk, and will continue for most of the night. There are only 10,000 Indian Skimmers left in the world, making them listed as "Vulnerable" by the National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary.

BLACK SKIMMERS

The Black Skimmer is considered to be the American Skimmer. They can be found in North and South America, where they migrate to the Caribbean waters during the winter months. The Black Skimmer is somewhat similar to the Indian Skimmer with it's red legs and feet, and the white under belly. Breeding Black Skimmers are quite a bit brighter than non breeders. So it is very easy to distinguish between the two.

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