Black Skimmer

Field Notes

Although they are closely related to Terns, there really is no other bird quite like the Black Skimmer in North America. Their lower mandible is actually larger than their upper mandible, and they use this design to fly right above the surface of the ocean and skim fish. Along with American Oystercatchers and Terns, I see them every summer at Nickerson Beach on Long Island. There is no mistaking their squeaks and forms as they fly low over the sand.