Skimmers (Rynchopidae)

Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis) - HBW 3, p. 677

French: Bec-en-ciseaux à collier German: Indischer Scherenschnabel Spanish: Rayador Indio
Other common names: Scissorbill

Taxonomy: Rhynchops [sic] albicollis Swainson, 1838, India.
Forms superspecies with R. niger and R. flavirostris; some authorities have suggested that all three might be conspecific, but good evidence apparently lacking. Monotypic.

Distribution: E Pakistan (R Indus) through N & EC India (E to Assam) to Bangladesh and W Myanmar (R Irrawaddy); also Cambodia (R Mekong). Current distribution uncertain: might also breed in Nepal and S Laos; possibly only winter visitor to Bangladesh.