Black Skimmer Rhynchops niger
Fort De Soto, Florida
This distinctive citizen of New World shorelines is unique in appearance and behavior. Superficially similar to a gull or tern, the Black Skimmer uses its greatly elongated lower mandible as it skims (what else?) back across across the surface of the water, with quick graceful turns, troughing up small fish and other seafood. It will also use that impressive proboscis to preen, or display (the beak clacks beautifully) or call its nasal, yelping call.