Rhincops Nigra

Called by Audubon the Razorbill Shearwater, these unique birds are the only ones in America that have lower mandibles 1/3 longer than the upper. This lower bill splits the water as the bird skims just over the surface. When it hits an animate object in the water, the upper mandible quickly triggers to snap over the lower, snaring prey. They prefer to feed at night , when the water is calmer, and there are more fish on the surface. The Skimmers have vertical eye slits to protect them from the sun’s harsh reflection, and when on land, they face the wind (illustrated here). When airborne together, are capable of beautifully synchronized flight, in perfect coordination.