Anhinga melanogaster
The Oriental Darter, or 'Snakebird,' (Anhinga melanogaster) is a striking water bird renowned for its unique hunting style and slender profile. Measuring 85–97 cm (33–38 in) in length with a wingspan of 116–128 cm (46–50 in) and weighing 1.05–1.6 kg (2.3–3.5 lb), this species exhibits a predominantly glossy black plumage with distinctive silvery-white streaking on its upperwing coverts and a prominent white lateral stripe running from the gape down its slender neck. Its most notable field mar...
Found primarily in freshwater wetlands, slow-moving rivers, lakes, swamps, and mangrove areas, often preferring quiet, vegetated waters. It inhabits lowland environments, typically below 1000 meters in elevation.
Feeds almost exclusively on fish, but also consumes amphibians and aquatic invertebrates, which it spears underwater with its sharp, pointed bill.
Oriental Darters are diurnal predators, spending their days diving for food and perching to dry their wings. They roost communally, often with cormorants, in trees over water. Their foraging strategy is highly specialized: they swim submerged, using their long, flexible neck and spear-like bill t...
The Oriental Darter's extensive range spans across South and Southeast Asia. Its breeding grounds and resident populations are found throughout the Indian subcontinent, including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Further east, it occurs across Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam,...
Near Threatened
- The Oriental Darter is often called the 'Snakebird' because of its long, slender neck and head, which appear above the water while its body is submerged, resembling a snake. - Unlike most water birds, darters have poorly oiled, wettable feathers, which aids in buoyancy control during underwater...