Indian Skimmer (Mating pair)

Rynchops albicollis

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

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

(Pair)

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

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

(in flight)

Skimmer,