News: For conservation of endangered bird species in the Ganga basin, a new project has been approved to protect breeding habitats of sandbar-nesting birds, including the Indian Skimmer.
About Indian Skimmer
- The Indian Skimmer, also known as the Indian Scissors-bill, is a distinctive waterbird native to southern Asia.
- Scientific name: Rynchops albicollis
- Genus: Rynchops in the family Laridae.
- It is one of only three species of skimmers found worldwide.
- Geographic Distribution: The Indian Skimmer is found across parts of South and Southeast Asia. Its current range includes India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, and Nepal as a non-breeding visitor.
- Physical Appearance
- The Indian Skimmer is a medium-sized bird that measures approximately 40 to 43 centimeters in length.
- It has a wingspan of about 108 centimeters, which gives it a long and elegant appearance in flight.
- The bird has a black cap on its head, while the forehead and nape remain white. Its upper body is black, and the underparts of the body are white.
- The wings are long and pointed, with a distinct white trailing edge. The tail is short and forked, appearing white with darker central feathers.
- The bill is bright orange with a yellow tip, making it highly noticeable. The legs and feet of the bird are red in color.
- The lower mandible of the bill is longer than the upper mandible and is specially adapted for feeding.
- Young birds have shorter, normal-looking bills that develop into the elongated lower mandible as they mature.
- Unique Feeding Adaptation
- The Indian Skimmer has a specialized bill structure that allows it to skim the surface of water while flying.
- The flexible lower mandible cuts through the water to detect prey. When prey is encountered, the upper mandible snaps shut to capture it.
- Habitat
- The Indian Skimmer primarily inhabits freshwater environments such as large rivers and lakes.
- It is also found in wetlands, swamps, and coastal estuaries, particularly during the non-breeding season.
- The species prefers sandy riverbanks and islands for resting and breeding.
- Seasonal Movement
- The Indian Skimmer shows migratory behavior depending on seasonal water conditions.
- During the breeding season, it is most commonly found along inland freshwater rivers.
- In winter, it spreads out to coastal estuaries along both the western and eastern coasts of India.
- Behavior and Lifestyle: The Indian Skimmer is a social bird that is often seen in small flocks. It frequently associates with terns while feeding and roosting.
- Diet and Feeding Habits: The Indian Skimmer feeds mainly on small fish. It also consumes small crustaceans and insect larvae. The bird forages by flying low over water with its bill partially open.
- Threats
- The Indian Skimmer faces threats from river damming and water diversion projects.
- Sand mining and human disturbance reduce suitable nesting habitats.
- Pollution and declining fish populations further affect the species’ survival.
- Conservation Significance: The Indian Skimmer is an important indicator of healthy river ecosystems. Protecting this species helps conserve large freshwater river habitats.
- Conservation Status
- The Indian Skimmer is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List.
- The overall population of the species is declining due to habitat loss and disturbance.
