tale-feathers.com -- It's for the Birds

S k i m m e r s

The Skimmer's method of foraging is, by far, the most unique. This sleek, graceful bird feeds entirely by touch dragging his lower mandible through the water in search of fish. He primarily feeds at night when small fish rise to the surface, but has the ability to feed anytime he so desires.

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Did you know skimmers are the only birds known to close their pupils vertically with a slit much like that of a cat's eye. This allows a skimmer to close it's pupils tightly protecting the retina in bright sunlight. Skimmers have relatively small eyes for their size.

~ Among the oldest on record -- a Black Skimmer who lived to be over 20 years of age. ~

Updated: 24 Mar 2006

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