Black Skimmer, Rynchops niger. Locally common seabird, found along the eastern coast from along the Gulf of Mexico to New England, and the western coast of Mexico. Common throughout South America, east of the Andes. Unique feeding behavior of flying in flocks along the water surface, skimming their lower mandible in the water in search of small fish, insects, and crustaceans, more often at night. Their bill tip is unique and adapted to their feeding behavior. Often lay on the beach with their head on the ground in behavior called “loafing.”