AGE CLASSIFICATION IN INDIAN SKIMMER Rynchops albicollis

1. Adults

Black above. White forehead and collar and white below. Long, thick, deep orange bill with yellow tip and longer lower mandible.

2. Immature

Dull Black above. White forehead and collar and white below. Long, thick, dull orange yellow bill with blackish/greyish tip and longer lower mandible.

3. Juvenile

Blackish brown above with heavy pale scales. Dull cap, white forehead and collar and white below. Long, thick, dull orange yellow bill with a blackish tip and lower mandible just started projecting.