Anhingas or Snakebirds [Anhingidae]

Description

Anhingidae, commonly known as anhingas or snakebirds, is a family within the order Suliformes. These birds are freshwater dwellers found in warm shallow waters. Anhingas are characterized by their long, slender necks and pointed bills, giving them a snake-like appearance when swimming with their bodies submerged. They are excellent swimmers, using their webbed feet to propel themselves in pursuit of fish. Unlike cormorants, anhingas have completely waterproof feathers and rely on their ability to dive and swim underwater to catch prey. They are also known for their habit of standing with wings outstretched to dry after diving. Anhingas are found in warm, shallow waters in the Americas, Asia, and Africa. They nest in trees, laying eggs in a platform of sticks.

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Taxonomy