For more information about Black Skimmers, click photo to go to the Patuxent Bird ID InfoCenter Biological Characteristics Species Rynchops niger is approximately 46 cm in length. Its dorsal side is black and its ventral side is white. The most conspicuous characteristic is its laterally flattened red bill. Breeding and foraging occurs in estuaries, with nests typically constructed on open spaces in beaches, salt marshes and dredge spoil islands. Abundance and Range Breeding range extends from Massachusetts and Long Island south through the coast of Florida.
Fish are the predominant food item brought to chicks.
Species preferences include silversides and killifish. Black Skimmer Contaminant Exposure Data I. Organochlorine Contaminants A. Concentrations in Adults 1. Dieldrin , chlordane isomers , heptachlor epoxide , and polychlorinated styrenes were detected in less than half the samples, and DDE and HCB were not detected. B. Concentrations in Eggs and Embryos 1. Trace Elements, Metals, and Metalloids A. Concentrations in Adults 1.