Birds of North America Illustrations

Black Skimmer Breeding Adult: Odd-looking, tern-like bird with black upperparts and white underparts. Bill is bright orange and black-tipped bill with lower mandible longer than upper. Long, slim wings are dark above and silver-gray below. Tail is white with black central feathers. Legs and feet are red. Female is distinctly smaller than male and has smaller bill. Winter adult is similar to breeding adult but has white nape. Juvenile has duller, shorter bill, brown-mottled upperparts, and yellow legs.