A long slender water bird often called the "snake bird" — when swimming with only the head and neck above water, they look exactly like a slow-moving snake. Unlike ducks, their feathers don't waterproof, so they perch wings spread to dry.

Also called: Anhinga, American Darter

Native status: Native; widespread in southeastern US

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 75–95 cm (30–37 in); wingspan 1.1–1.2 m
Weight1.0–1.5 kg (2.2–3.3 lb)
LifespanWild 10–12 years
OrderSuliformes
FamilyAnhingidae

§ Encyclopedia

The anhinga, sometimes called darter, American darter, snakebird, or water turkey, is a water bird of the warmer parts of the Americas. The word anhinga comes from a'ñinga in the Brazilian Tupi language and means "devil bird" or "snake bird". The origin of the name is apparent when swimming: only the neck appears above water, so the bird looks like a snake ready to strike. They do not have external nares (nostrils) and breathe solely through their epiglottis, via small opercula at the corners of the beak.

Source: Wikipedia — Anhinga Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Long-necked dark waterbird with sharp dagger-bill. White stripes on wing.

Similar species. Double-crested Cormorant (similar pose; different bill shape). Snake Birds (other anhinga species).

Voice. Generally silent; grunts at colonies.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Fish, amphibians.

Behavior. Often called "snake bird" — swims with only head and neck above water. Doesn't have waterproof feathers; perches wings spread to dry.

§ Range

Southeastern US and into Mexico/Central/South America

§ Habitat

Slow rivers, lakes, swamps, mangroves

§ Threats

Loss of cypress swamp habitat, pesticide bioaccumulation, water level management.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the anhinga is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support cypress swamp protection. Maintain natural water-level fluctuations. Skip pesticides.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab — All About Birds
  • National Audubon Society
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List 2018