Anhinga anhinga
The Anhinga, often dubbed the 'snake-bird' for its distinctive swimming posture, is an aquatic bird of the family Anhingidae, closely related to cormorants within the order Pelecaniformes. This elegant diver measures approximately 81-97 cm (32-38 inches) in length with a wingspan of about 114 cm (45 inches) and weighs between 1.04-1.35 kg (2.3-3.0 lbs). Males are striking with their glossy black plumage, a long, slender neck, and silvery-white streaks on their upper wings and back, while fema...
Anhingas primarily inhabit freshwater and brackish aquatic environments, favoring slow-moving rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps, and mangrove areas, typically at low elevations.
Their diet consists almost exclusively of various fish species, which they hunt by diving and spearing; occasionally, they will consume crustaceans, amphibians, and aquatic insects.
Anhingas are diurnal hunters, spending much of their day diving for prey and subsequently perching conspicuously to dry their wings. Their unique foraging strategy involves swimming almost fully submerged, then using their powerful S-shaped neck to quickly impale fish with their dagger-like bill....
The Anhinga boasts a broad distribution across the Americas, primarily inhabiting the Neotropics and the southeastern United States. In the U.S., its breeding range extends from North Carolina south along the Atlantic Coast, throughout Florida, and west along the Gulf Coast through Texas. It is a...
Least Concern
- The name "Anhinga" comes from the Tupi language of Brazil, meaning "devil bird" or "snake bird," referring to its swimming posture where only its head and neck are visible above the water. - Unlike most waterbirds, Anhingas have bones denser than normal, with less air sacs, which reduces buoyan...