In
The
Fortunes of War, Doctor Maturin hoped to see a skimmer (Rynchops
niger, aver. length 16-20 in., aver. wingspread 42-50 in.). Here
it is. They are the only bird with a longer lower bill then upper
bill. They skim down over the water with the longer lower half of
the bill shallowly cutting the water. When the bill strikes a small
crustacean or fish, the skimmer clamps down the upper part of the bill
tightly. As the upper mandible closes on its prey, the skimmer moves it
head backwards and downward, then without changing it steady flight drags
the bill from the water and swallows its prey. It then lowers its
bill into the water to continue fishing in flight. You can understand
why the Doctor wanted to see the amazing performance.