Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) -- An elegant bird, elegant in dress and in flight, the Black Skimmer was once thought to be related to the terns. Our skimmer is one of three species in the world, the other two being African Skimmer and Indian Skimmer. They are graceful and aerobatic fliers, making close-quartered sharp turns on four-foot wings. The only bird with a lower mandible longer than the upper, it employs an unusual feeding strategy. (See NEXT)