Indian Skimmer
The Indian skimmer is a rare, tern-like bird with a unique lower mandible that is longer than the upper — an adaptation for its extraordinary feeding technique of flying low over water with the lower bill cutting the surface to catch fish. Listed as Vulnerable, it breeds on river sandbars in the Indian subcontinent and is threatened by sand mining, damming, and flooding of nesting sites from irrigation releases.
Average Length
40-43 cm
Average Weight
150-180 g
Lifespan
10 years
Top Speed
40 km/h
WildAtlas insight
High elusiveness
This species is naturally difficult to observe in the wild, even where it is known to occur.
Why this grade?
These are some of the biological and behavioral factors, among others, that WildAtlas considers when deriving this species level grade.
- Animal group
- Bird
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Activity
- Crepuscular
- Social behavior
- Flock
This proprietary WildAtlas grade describes the animal in general and stays the same across parks. It is separate from park level insights, which depend on local conditions and data.
Quick Facts
The Indian skimmer has a uniquely elongated lower mandible used to skim water surface for fish.
It nests exclusively on exposed sandbars in large rivers.
The Chambal River and Panna National Park are among its last strongholds in India.
Habitat & Range
Habitats
Regions
Behavior & Reproduction
Activity Pattern
Crepuscular
Social Structure
Flock
Gestation Period
21-22 days incubation
Litter Size
3
Predators
Raptors, Foxes, Humans
Found in Parks
Where should you look for indian skimmer? Explore each park's biome, habitat, and local conditions. Population, density, and sighting trends will shape future park specific insights.
