Black Skimmer

(Rynchops niger)

The Black Skimmer is distinctive with its orange-red beak with a black tip and black crown and wings. It is commonly seen around the lagoon during the spring and summer months. It earns its name from the unique way it hunts for fish. This skimmer has a lower mandible which is longer than its upper. Flying close to the water with legs pulled up and head held low, it cuts the water with the lower mandible until it hits a fish whereupon it snaps it up. The Black Skimmer has not always been a resident of Torrey Pines State Reserve. It is only since 1960 that it extended its range up from Mexico.