Black Skimmer

HOW TO IDENTIFY:

* Length: 17 inches
* Sexes similar
* Skims surface of water with bill searching for prey
* Large bill with orange base and black tip; lower mandible longer than upper
* Short white tail with black center
* Very dark upperparts
* White forehead and underparts
* Dark upperwing with white trailing edge
* Pale underwings
* Red legs
* Duller above in winter
* Immatures are mottled above

Similar species:

None