Anhinga [Anhinga]

Description

Anhinga is the only genus in the family Anhingidae commonly referred to as snakebirds or darters. The genus encompasses aquatic birds primarily found in warmer freshwater or brackish environments. Anhingas are distinguished by their slim bodies, long necks, and pointed bills, features that contribute to their snake-like appearance when swimming with their bodies submerged. These birds are excellent divers, using their webbed feet to propel through water while hunting for fish. Their feathers are not completely waterproof, which helps reduce buoyancy for easier submersion, but necessitates frequent drying of their wings in the sun to prevent hypothermia. The genus includes several species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, adapting to a wide range of wetland habitats.

Species

Anhinga [Anhinga anhinga]

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Oriental Darter [Anhinga melanogaster]

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African Darter [Anhinga rufa]

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Australasian Darter [Anhinga novaehollandiae]

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Taxonomy