The Black Skimmer has an unusual way to fish. It has a huge lower bill that is not like other birds; it doesn’t move! The Skimmer uses this lower bill to plow or “skim” through the water until it strikes a fish, then the head snaps down so that the upper bill can grasp the fish. The Skimmer then drags the fish from the water and swallows it head first while still in flight or takes it back to the nest.
The Skimmer rarely swims or dives, instead it uses its sense of touch to find its prey. It flies fast above the water with its lower beak open and just skimming the water (thus its name). It skims along until it strikes a small fish or crustacean; the upper bill snaps shut and traps the prey. It forages for food at night, early in the morning, and towards dusk when more fish are near the surface of the water. It can only feed in calm waters such as lagoons, inshore waters, and rivers.
The Skimmer is a social bird and hangs out with other Skimmers during the daytime. You will be able to hear them calling “auk” or a soft “keow, keow, keow”. Skimmers are graceful flyers and sometimes synchronize their movements by twisting and turning and circling together in the air. They show agressive behavior by “barking” like a dog and posturing. Posturing includes head tossing , standing upright, and sometimes opening the beak without making sounds. They preen and clean themselves in fresh water. When they sleep, they tuck their heads into the wing feathers on their backs.
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