Indian Skimmer

Recently, the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) launched a new conservation project under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in Dehradun to protect the Indian Skimmer in the Ganga Basin. The initiative aims to conserve this endangered riverine bird species and its fragile habitat.

About the Indian Skimmer

The Indian Skimmer is a unique water bird belonging to the genus Rynchops in the Laridae family. It gets its name from its distinctive feeding behaviour, where it flies low over water and “skims” the surface to catch fish.

This species is known for its specialized feeding technique, which makes it one of the most distinctive river birds in South Asia.

Habitat

The Indian Skimmer primarily inhabits large sandy lowland rivers, lakes, and marshy areas. During the non-breeding season, it can also be found in estuaries and coastal regions.

Distribution

The Indian Skimmer is native to South Asia and is mainly found in:

• India

• Bangladesh

• Pakistan

Smaller populations also occur in Nepal and Myanmar.

In India, one of the most important habitats for the species is the Chambal River, where significant breeding populations are observed.

Conservation Status

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Indian Skimmer is classified as Endangered.

Major Threats

The survival of the Indian Skimmer is threatened by several factors, including:

• Loss and degradation of river habitats

• Unplanned water release from dams

• Excessive sand mining in riverbeds

• Predation by animals and disturbance near nesting sites

These threats have led to a significant decline in the population of the species.

Key Features of the Indian Skimmer

The Indian Skimmer has a distinctive and striking appearance.

• Its upper body is black, while the underbelly is white.

• The most notable feature is its bright orange beak, where the lower mandible is significantly longer than the upper mandible.

• This specialized beak allows the bird to skim across the water surface to catch small fish and aquatic organisms.

• It also has long, angular wings, which help it perform fast and precise flight close to the water surface.

Conclusion

The Indian Skimmer is a rare and ecologically important river bird species in South Asia. Conservation initiatives such as the project launched by BNHS under the National Mission for Clean Ganga are essential to protect its habitat, restore river ecosystems, and prevent further population decline.