Anhinga rufa
The African Darter, *Anhinga rufa*, is a mesmerizing aquatic bird renowned for its 'snake-like' neck and unique underwater hunting prowess. Measuring 79-97 cm in length with a wingspan of approximately 120 cm, adults sport glossy black plumage, often with a greenish sheen, and a striking long, sharply pointed yellow bill. Its most distinctive field mark is its long, slender neck, frequently seen protruding from the water while its body remains submerged, earning it the nickname 'snakebird'. M...
Found primarily in freshwater wetlands, including rivers, lakes, and marshes, but also frequents estuaries and coastal lagoons, typically at low to moderate elevations.
Primarily piscivorous, consuming various freshwater fish, but also preys on amphibians, aquatic insects, crustaceans, and occasionally small reptiles or invertebrates, captured by spearing underwater.
African Darters are diurnal predators, spending their days foraging for fish and often roosting communally in trees or tall reeds at night. Their foraging strategy is a spectacular display of underwater agility; they silently stalk prey beneath the surface, then spear fish with a lightning-fast t...
The African Darter is widely distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa, extending from Senegal and Gambia in the west, across the continent to Ethiopia and Somalia in the east, and south through Angola, Botswana, and Mozambique to South Africa. It is also a resident breeder on the island of Madag...
Least Concern
- The African Darter is often called the 'snakebird' because of its long, slender neck, which is the only part visible above water when it swims submerged. - Unlike most aquatic birds, its feathers are not completely waterproof, allowing water to saturate them and reduce buoyancy for easier divin...