Large-billed Tern

The Black Skimmer occurs along Ecuador’s Pacific coast, especially in estuaries, sandy beaches, and tidal lagoons, where it is a regular non-breeding visitor and occasional breeder, primarily represented by the subspecies R. n. niger. Though not abundant, it is locally present in suitable coastal habitats, often seen skimming low over calm waters at dusk in search of small fish. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a large global population, though coastal development and habitat disturbance pose localized threats. Natural history observations highlight its unique foraging method—flying with its lower mandible slicing through the water—and colonial nesting behavior on open sandbars, often near tern colonies that offer added protection from predators.