Anhinga
Anhinga anhinga
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Suliformes · Anhingidae
About
The anhinga, sometimes called snakebird, darter, American darter, 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.
Fun Fact
Typical of the genus, anhingas have a "kinked" neck due to the unique "hinge" morphology of the joint between the eighth and ninth cervical vertebrae.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Live in warm, shallow waters and swamplands worldwide.
Diet
Feed on moderately sized wetland fishes, amphibians, aquatic invertebrates and insects.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance