About the Black Skimmer
The Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) 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 blkski 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 niger |
| Species Codes | blkski, BLSK |
Frequently Asked Questions
What family does the Black Skimmer belong to?
The Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) belongs to the Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers family (Laridae), in the order Charadriiformes.
How can I identify the Black Skimmer?
The Black 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 Black Skimmer sighting?
You can log sightings of Black Skimmer on eBird (ebird.org) using species code blkski, or on iNaturalist.