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The African Skimmer is a unique bird species known for its distinct appearance and remarkable hunting behaviour.
38cm
lenght
50
pairs in the average colony
2-3
eggs at a time
With their long, slender wings and striking black, white, and red plumage, they are a captivating sight for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers.
African Skimmers are endemic to sub-Saharan Africa, particularly found along rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. These birds have a unique hunting technique where they fly just above the water surface with their elongated lower mandible skimming the water. This specialized adaptation allows them to catch small fish near the water’s surface, making them highly efficient predators.
Find them at the following tours
Our photo safaris are designed to bring you as close to the wild as possible, so that you can watch and photograph these extraordinary animals in their natural habitat.
Overview
The African Skimmer stands out with its striking black and white plumage and bold red bill. Measuring about 35 to 40 centimetres, it’s not the size that grabs attention, but the way it feeds. It slices through the water with its long lower mandible just beneath the surface.
Photographing them in flight is a thrill. As they skim low over rivers or lagoons, wings stretched wide, they offer dramatic, fast-paced shooting opportunities. Their sharp colour contrast and unusual bill shape make for bold, graphic images, especially in good light.
They’re not the easiest birds to find. African Skimmers prefer specific stretches of quiet water, which makes every encounter feel earned. Capturing them adds something rare to your portfolio: a moment of elegant, purposeful motion that few get to witness, let alone photograph.
Key Facts
Types and Habitats
African Skimmers belong to the family Rynchopidae and are the only species of skimmers found in Africa. They are divided into two recognized subspecies: the African Skimmer (Rynchops flavirostris) and the Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis). While the Indian Skimmer is primarily found in India and Southeast Asia, the African Skimmer is the focus of this individual animal form.
African Skimmers inhabit various aquatic habitats, including rivers, lakes, lagoons, and coastal areas along the African continent. They are commonly observed near freshwater bodies with sandy or gravelly riverbanks and islands. These locations provide suitable nesting sites and access to small fish, their primary food source. African Skimmers feed mainly on small fish that swim near the surface.
Their hunting style is unlike any other. Flying just above the water, they drag their long lower mandible through the surface and snap it shut the moment it touches prey. It’s fast, fluid, and surprisingly accurate, especially in low light when many other birds would struggle.
WHERE TO FIND ME
Find them at these destinations
FAQ
Explore the Fascinating World of This Animal Through These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
