The African Skimmers (Rynchops flavirostris) is a skimmer that lives in Senegal to northern Congo River and southern Nile Valley, southern Tanzania to the Zambezi Valley, and then to Natal and Angola. For more information, see our guide on breeding. For more information, see our guide on birds. For more information, see our guide on backyard birds.
Description
They have very long wings.
The back, hindneck, and crown are black. The forehead and rest of the body is white, with a bright, long, orange beak that ends with a yellow tip. Their short forked tail is white, and their legs are bright red.
They are 15 inches(18 centimeters) long. According to Audubon Society, this species is well documented.
Calls / Vocalization
Their voice is a sharp “kip-kip”. According to RSPB, this species is well documented.
Breeding / Nesting
They live in wide tropical rivers with sandbanks, lakeshores, and coastal lagoons. Pairs nest in loose colonies on large sandbanks, and lay 1-4 eggs in a large scrape.
Diet / Feeding
African Skimmers fly in lines over calm waters, and dip their lower beaks (mandibles) in the water to feed. It is rare to spot one in East African and South African parks.
