#snakebirds

[snototter]

An anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) spears a fish in its bill in Roosevelt Wetlands, Florida, USA

by Matthew Paulson

[johnschneiderblog]

It’s a snake! It’s a bird! It’s a snakebird!

Officially, it’s an anhinga but it’s also known as a darter, an American darter, a water turkey and - most appropriately, in my opinion - a snakebird.

On land or in the air, an anhinga is obviously a bird, but in the water, only its long slender neck protrudes above the surface, making it look like a cobra ready to strike.

Underwater, it uses its pointed beak to spear fish, shrimp, snakes and even small alligators.

Unlike some other water birds, the anhinga’s feathers aren’t water-repellant. The can become water-logged, making them too heavy for flight. That’s why the birds are commonly seen drying themselves on the banks of the lagoons.

[professional-unprofessional]

The Anhinga, is sometimes called a Snakebird, Darter, American Darter, or Water Turkey! (＾▽＾)

[that-crazy-scorpio-man]

Snakebird.

[snototter]

An anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica

by Gary Stephenson

[snototter]

A female anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) dries her waterlogged wings in the sun in South Carolina, USA

by Carol Tunnicliffe

[snototter]

A male anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA by Alan Cressler

[snototter]

A male anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) in Orange County, Florida

by Matthew Addicks