The black skimmer (Rynchops niger) is a tern-like seabird found along coastlines from New Jersey to South America. With their unique bills that are longer than their heads, black skimmers make for a distinctive sight as they fly low over the water with their bills skimming the surface looking for small fish. But are these unique birds endangered?
Black Skimmer Population Trends
The black skimmer has a large range across the Americas, and global population estimates indicate there are over 100,000 mature individuals. However, within that broad range, black skimmer populations have declined significantly in certain areas, leading to an endangered classification at the state level in several parts of the United States.
According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, black skimmer populations declined by over 50% between 1966 and 2015. Along the Atlantic Coast, they are considered endangered in New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. On the Gulf Coast, they are considered threatened in Mississippi and endangered in Florida.
Several factors have contributed to declines in regional black skimmer populations, including:
- Habitat loss from coastal development
- Disturbance of nesting colonies
- Predation by animals and humans
- Environmental contaminants
- Extreme weather events
Habitat availability limits black skimmer populations in many areas. They require undisturbed open sandy beaches and islands for nesting and resting. As coastal areas have become more developed for homes, recreation, and industry, it has reduced the amount of suitable habitat.
Federal Protection Status
The black skimmer has no federal threatened or endangered species listing in the United States. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reviewed the status of the black skimmer in 2020 and opted not to list it under the Endangered Species Act. Their reasoning was that despite regional declines, the overall population remains quite large and widely distributed.
However, the black skimmer is considered a Species of Conservation Concern by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service because of declining trends in certain regions. They recommend continued monitoring and habitat protection efforts for this unique seabird.
State-Level Protection
As noted above, the black skimmer is listed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern in several U.S. states including:
- New Jersey – Endangered
- Maryland – Endangered
- Virginia – Endangered
- North Carolina – Endangered
- South Carolina – Threatened
- Mississippi – Threatened
- Florida – Endangered
These states have enacted special protections for the black skimmer, including habitat protection and restricting disturbance of nesting colonies. For example, New Jersey prohibits destruction or disturbance of black skimmer nesting, foraging, and roosting areas. Some states have also developed conservation plans to monitor black skimmer populations and restore habitat.
International Conservation Status
Globally, the black skimmer is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This indicates they are not considered at imminent risk of extinction. Their broad distribution across the Americas contributes to their relatively secure global population status.
However, IUCN does note that black skimmer populations should continue to be monitored, especially in the southern reaches of South America where information is more limited. Habitat protection for breeding and foraging areas remains important for the long-term security of black skimmer populations.
Factors Threatening Black Skimmers
As noted above, there are several key factors that have contributed to declining black skimmer populations in parts of their range:
Habitat Loss
Coastal development for homes, businesses, recreation, industry, and agriculture has profoundly impacted habitat availability for black skimmers. They require undisturbed sandy beaches and islands for nesting colonies and roosting. As these areas disappear or become more disturbed, it leaves fewer options for black skimmers.
For example, in South Florida, over 60% of beaches have been eroded or altered. This has led to nesting declines for black skimmers in the region. Protecting remaining habitat areas from further development is crucial.
Disturbance of Nesting Sites
Black skimmers nest in colonies that can include hundreds of breeding pairs. The nests are shallow scrapes in open sandy areas. This makes them very vulnerable to predators and human disturbance. Nesting birds that get flushed off their eggs can lead to overheating and death of eggs/chicks. Repeated disturbance can cause colony abandonment.
Managing human recreational activities is important around active skimmer nesting colonies. Predator control and fencing around nest sites may also be warranted.
Year | Number of nests | Nests lost to disturbance |
---|---|---|
2018 | 112 | 14 |
2019 | 96 | 22 |
2020 | 82 | 18 |
Predation
Common nest predators include foxes, raccoons, gulls, crows, and other species attracted to breeding colonies. One study found predation accounted for 31% of nest failures in a Virginia colony. Predation pressure tends to be higher for colonies located near human habitation where certain predators like raccoons thrive. Predator control is necessary at some sites.
Environmental Contaminants
As fish-eating seabirds, black skimmers may be impacted by bioaccumulation of toxins like PCBs and heavy metals. Fish kills from red tide events may also reduce food availability in some areas. Spills of oil or other contaminants can damage habitat and threaten both adults and eggs that have low tolerance.
Extreme Weather Events
Coastal storms, high tides, and rainfall flooding can wipe out nests and even entire colonies. Some sites may require reinforced nesting areas and drainage control. Sea level rise associated with climate change will gradually shrink nesting habitat over time.
Other Threats
Other threats to black skimmers include:
– Fisheries bycatch – Entanglement in fishing gear
– Ingestion of marine plastics – Can choke or accumulate in digestive system
– Competition from and aggression by other birds like gulls that encroach on nesting areas
Conservation Actions to Help Black Skimmers
A range of conservation actions can help protect and restore black skimmer populations:
- Habitat Protection – Protect remaining undisturbed nesting and roosting habitats from development and recreational encroachment.
- Habitat Restoration – Renourish eroded beaches and recreate suitable nesting substrate if needed.
- Nesting Area Management – Use fencing, signage, predator control, and access limits to reduce human disturbance and natural threats to nests.
- Population Monitoring – Continue long-term monitoring programs to track skimmer numbers and productivity.
- Outreach – Provide education on black skimmers to raise awareness and encourage support for conservation.
- Mitigate Threats – Work to reduce bycatch, limit pollution, and address climate change impacts.
Efforts should focus on those regions like the U.S. southeast and Gulf coasts where black skimmer populations are most at risk and in greatest need of intervention. But proactive conservation of both nesting habitat and wintering grounds are important everywhere the black skimmer occurs.
Conclusion
The black skimmer is an iconic seabird with some populations in decline, but the overall global population remains fairly secure. They face threats from habitat loss, disturbance, pollution, climate change, and other stressors. Their limited and specific nesting requirements make them more vulnerable.
Targeted conservation efforts for the black skimmer are warranted, especially in the U.S. southeast and Gulf coasts where they are endangered at the state level. Protecting critical breeding and foraging habitats will be key. But the black skimmer does not require endangered species listing at this time across its full range. With proper management, this unique seabird will hopefully continue skimming over coastal waters for decades to come.