Indian Skimmer

Rynchops Albicollis

Order:

Charadriiformes

Family:

Laridae

Size:

40 to 45 centimeters (16 to 18 inches)

Weight:

300 to 400 grams (10.6 to 14.1 ounces)

Taxonomy:

Rynchops albicollis (Jerdon, 1864)

Short Description:

The Indian Skimmer is a distinctive bird with a striking appearance characterized by its unique bill, which is long, laterally compressed, and has a lower mandible longer than the upper one. Its upperparts are predominantly black, while the underparts are white, with a distinctive black collar around the neck. During flight, its wings display a black trailing edge contrasting with white primary feathers. They have a short tail and long, pointed wings.

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast

In Pakistan, the Indian Skimmer is primarily found along the Indus River and its tributaries, as well as in associated wetlands such as lakes, marshes, and floodplains. They are mostly resident in the region but may also undertake local movements in response to changes in water levels and prey availability.

Indian Skimmers are highly specialized feeders, using their unique bill to skim the water surface while flying low over rivers and lakes. They primarily feed on small fish, insects, and crustaceans, which they catch by flying with their lower mandible dipped into the water, slicing through the surface when they detect prey. They are typically observed foraging in small groups, often cooperatively herding fish into shallow areas before skimming.