anhinga bird
1. Bird Name
English name: Anhinga
Scientific (Latin) name: Anhinga anhinga
2. Appearance
The Anhinga, also known as the snakebird, darter, or water turkey, is an intriguing bird that showcases certain unique characteristics. This bird possesses a long, slender neck, sharp pointed beak, and wings that have a magnificent, silvery-grey spread. Its beak is adapted for catching fish, its primary diet. An adult Anhinga’s eyes are a striking red. The male Anhinga has a black or dark brown plumage with silver patches on the wings while the female has a more brownish body with a lighter, buff-colored neck and upper chest.
3. Size
Anhingas are medium to large birds, typically sizing between 75-95 cm (29-37 inches) in length. Their wingspan measures an impressive range of approximately 107-117 cm (42-46 inches). An average adult Anhinga weighs between 1.35-1.35 kg (2.97-2.97 lb).
4. Habitat and Distribution
The Anhinga inhabits the warm shallow freshwater bodies of the Americas, especially the southeastern United States, the Gulf Coast, and the coastal regions of Mexico and Central and South America. It is a bird typically found in freshwater and slightly brackish environments such as swamps, marshes, lagoons, slow-moving rivers, and lakes.
5. Interesting Facts
One fascinating fact about the Anhinga bird is its unique hunting method; they swim with their bodies submerged underwater, leaving only their neck and head visible, giving them the nickname “snakebird”. Another interesting aspect is that unlike most aquatic birds, Anhingas lack oils in their feathers. This allows them to reduce buoyancy and enhance their diving capabilities, but it means they must spend significant time drying their wings in the sun. Additionally, they are known to use tools; some have been observed using a stick to scratch their head.
6. Diet
The Anhinga is a carnivorous bird, primarily feasting on fish. Its diet also includes other aquatic creatures such as amphibians, invertebrates, insects, and occasionally, smaller birds and reptiles.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Anhingas are typically quiet, but can produce low, guttural sounds or hisses when alarmed or during courtship. They are strong fliers and often soar high in the sky. In terms of behavior, Anhingas display a “spread-wing” stance while drying their feathers under the sun. This behavior is so characteristic of the species it’s often what people firstly associate with them.
8. Conservation Status
The Anhinga is currently listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN Red List, meaning that the species is not currently facing immediate threats of extinction.
9. Lifespan
Anhinga birds live for nine years on average. In captivity, with optimal care, they may live slightly longer.
10. Additional Notes
The Anhinga plays a pivotal role in its ecosystem, helping to control populations of their prey species, and thus contributing to the biodiversity of their habitats. Interactions with humans are limited, but due to their nesting habits, they are prone to disturbance in populated areas. As such, they serve as indicators of the health of the wetlands they inhabit. In Spanish, the Anhinga is locally known as “Pato Aguja” meaning “needle duck,” as a reference to its sharp beak.
