Skimmer

Skimmer

The skimmer, also known as scissor-bills, is distinguished for its beak, in which the lower half is considerably longer than the upper half. Another unique feature are the eyes of the skimmer. This bird has vertical pupils, like that of a cat. Aside from these features the skimmer shares characteristics with the common tern. They are 14 to 20 inches long and have long, pointed wings and sharply forked tail. The plumage is black or brown with white underparts. Skimmers feed on fish, which are caught as the bird swoops toward the surface of the water while in flight, netting small fish or other small sea animals in its bill. Skimmers are found in Canada, the United States, South America, Africa, Asia and India. [BM] {FW}