The Family Rynchopidae consists of skimmers, a small group of specialized seabirds found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They are notable for their unique elongated lower mandible, which they use to "skim" the water surface while flying to catch small fish and crustaceans. Skimmers have long, pointed wings, streamlined bodies, and are highly adapted for aerial foraging over rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters. They typically nest in colonies on sandy beaches or islands and play an important ecological role in controlling small fish populations in their habitats.