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Indian Skimmer

Rynchops albicollis

Endangered
Wingspan
74.4 cm
Weight
164.0 g
Family
Laridae
Order
Charadriiformes

About

Indian Skimmer: 38–43 cm, black-and-white skimmer with an orange-and-yellow bill and white collar. Resident on large sandy rivers of the Indian subcontinent. VU. Feeds by skimming river surface with protruding lower mandible to catch fish. Severely threatened by sand-mining, dam building, and human disturbance at nesting colonies.

Physical Description

Measurement Value Imperial
Wingspan 74.4 cm 29.3 in
Weight 164.0 g 5.78 oz

Habitat & Range

Conservation Status

Endangered
IUCN Red List

Behavior & Breeding

Nesting

Nest type: SC. Incubation: 21-24 days.

Clutch Size

2-5

Taxonomy

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Charadriiformes (Shorebirds & Gulls)
Family Laridae (Gulls & Terns)
Genus Rynchops
Species Rynchops albicollis

Distribution

Indian Skimmer has been recorded in 1 countries.

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Present Not recorded
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countries highlighted

External Databases

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Indian Skimmer endangered?
The Indian Skimmer has a conservation status of Endangered.
How does the Indian Skimmer nest?
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 21-24 days.
How big is the Indian Skimmer?
The Indian Skimmer has a wingspan of 74.4 cm, weight of 164.0 g.
What order and family does the Indian Skimmer belong to?
The Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis) belongs to the order Charadriiformes and the family Laridae.

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