What is an Indian Skimmer?

About Indian Skimmer:

• It is one of the three species that belong to the skimmer genus Rynchops in the family Laridae. 
• It is native to South Asia.
• It gets its name from the way it feeds, flying low over the water surface and ‘skimming’ for fish.
• Scientific Name: Rynchops albicollis
• Distribution:
  • It is mainly found in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, with some populations extending to Nepal and Myanmar.
  • One of the key areas for spotting Indian Skimmers is the Chambal River, which runs through northern India.
• The population is estimated at 2,450-2,900 mature individuals.
• Habitat: It occurs primarily on larger, sandy, lowland rivers, around lakes and adjacent marshes, and, in the non-breeding season, in estuaries and coasts.
• Features:
  • It grows to a length of 40-43 cm.
  • The Indian Skimmer has a striking appearance. Its upper body is black, while its underbelly is white.
  • The most eye-catching feature is its beak, which is orange with a lower mandible that is much longer than the upper one.
  • This special beak helps the bird skim across the surface of the water to catch small fish and aquatic creatures.
  • The bird’s wings are long and angular, designed for fast, precise flight.
• Conservation status:
• • IUCN: Endangered