Indian Skimmer (Pair)

Rynchops albicollis

My first sighting of this species. The preservation of the Chambal ecosystem may be key to their survival.

Photographed at: National Chambal Sanctuary, UP on 2021-03-08

Album: Chambal - 2021

Indian Skimmers are characterised by a remarkable adaptation- their lower bill is substantially longer than the upper one. The dip the lower bill and skim the surface of the water looking for food. Only a few thousand of these are believed to be left in the wild.

Family: Laridae

Diet: Fish, Frogs

Size: 40 cms

Other Pictures of Indian Skimmer

(in flight)

Skimmer,

(Mating pair)

After a lot of flirting and cavorting this pair of Indian Skimmers settled down for the business end of their courtship.

Skimmer,After a lot of flirting and cavorting this pair of Indian Skimmers settled down for the business end of their courtship.