About the African Skimmer
The African Skimmer (Rynchops flavirostris) is a species of bird in the Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers family (Laridae), within the order Charadriiformes. This family contains 105 recognized species worldwide.
Use the eBird species code afrski1 when logging sightings in eBird or other citizen science platforms.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers (Laridae) |
| Species | Rynchops flavirostris |
| Species Codes | afrski1, AFSK |
Frequently Asked Questions
What family does the African Skimmer belong to?
The African Skimmer (Rynchops flavirostris) belongs to the Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers family (Laridae), in the order Charadriiformes.
How can I identify the African Skimmer?
The African Skimmer is a member of the Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers family. Check field guides or upload a photo to our AI Bird Identifier for help.
Where can I report a African Skimmer sighting?
You can log sightings of African Skimmer on eBird (ebird.org) using species code afrski1, or on iNaturalist.