Black Skimmer
Rynchops niger · Also known as: skimmer
Odd, knife-billed flyer that skims the water’s surface. Look for them at dusk over quiet bay edges and inlet flats.
Quick facts
| Group | Gull / tern |
|---|---|
| Likelihood nearby | ★★★☆☆ |
| Habitats | Ocean beach, Inlet, Coastal bays, Assateague National Seashore, Assateague State Park |
| Seasons (this coast) | summer, breeding, fall |
How to recognize them
- Black upperparts, white below; lower mandible longer than the upper—unique among local birds.
- Long wings; often flies in small groups low over calm water.
Biology notes
- Feeds by slicing the lower bill through water and snapping up fish on contact.
- Nests on open sand and shell beaches—sensitive to disturbance.
Where to see them around Ocean City
- Assateague and Ocean City Inlet flats at calm tides.
- Quiet bay shorelines at evening when water is slick.
When to look
- Warm season; nesting colonies need space from beach traffic.
Viewing tips & etiquette
- Evening light is magical—and less crowded—for skimmer flight lines.
- Stay clear of nesting scrapes marked by managers.
