Family Rynchopide
SKIMMERS.
The three closely allied species constituting this small but distinct family are found in the warmer parts of the earth. Only one species ALBATROSSES. inhabits the western hemisphere. Skimmers are unique both in the form of the bill and in their manner of feeding. Opening the mouth, the bladelike lower mandible is dropped just beneath the surface of the water; then, flying rapidly, they may be said to literally "plow the main" in search of their food of small aquatic animals. 80. Rynchops nigra Linn. BLACK SKIMMER; SCISSOR-BILL (see Fig. 8). Ad.-Forehead, sides of the head, under parts, and tips of the secondaries white; upper parts and wings black; outer tail-feathers white, inner ones more or less brownish. L., 18.00; W., 14.50; T., 475; B., 2.60.