Anhinga by danapommet

Photography • Animals • posted on Dec 28, 2013

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Description

The Anhinga, sometimes called Snakebird, Darter, or Water Turkey, is a water bird of the warmer parts of the Americas. The word anhinga comes from the Brazilian Tupi language and means devil bird or snake bird. It looks a lot like a cormorant but has a straight bill. Their average body length is 33 inches (85 cm), a wingspan of 46 inches (117 cm) and weigh up to 3 pounds (1.35 kg). It is a dark-plumaged carnivore which eats primarily fish, with a very long neck, and often swims with only the neck above water. When swimming in this style the name Snakebird is apparent, since only the neck appears above water, the bird looks like a snake ready to strike. They do not have external nostrils and breathe solely through their throat. This photo caught this Anhinga drying her feathers after a dive. Like other darters, the Anhinga hunts by spearing fish and other small prey using its sharp, slender beak. The female Anhinga has light brown head, neck, and upper chest feathers (thus this is a female). Unlike ducks, the Anhinga is not able to waterproof its feathers using oil produced by the uropygial gland. Consequently, feathers can become waterlogged, making the bird barely buoyant and harder to fly with all those wet feathers. However, this allows it to dive easily and search for underwater prey, such as fish and amphibians. It can stay down for significant periods. Some info from Wikipedia. This photo was taken at the Loxahatchee National Wildlife refuge just a few miles west of where we live. It will zoom. Thanks for stopping by, taking a look and for all your previous favorites and comments. They are very much appreciated. Dana

Comments (36)

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Richardphotos

10:06AM | Sat, 28 December 2013

very beautiful bird and not one I recall seeing. superb photo. happy new year

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jayfar

10:15AM | Sat, 28 December 2013

A very good photo of it Dana and good info too.

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durleybeachbum

10:16AM | Sat, 28 December 2013

Thankyou for explaining the difference between these and Cormorants, I have often wondered!

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jmb007

10:20AM | Sat, 28 December 2013

interessant!

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Jean_C

10:58AM | Sat, 28 December 2013

Very beautiful capture in full view, interesting infos too, thanks, Dana!

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Leije

10:59AM | Sat, 28 December 2013

Excellent capture of this beautiful blue bird, and the infos are interesting, Dana !

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bobrgallegos

11:35AM | Sat, 28 December 2013

Beautiful capture and great narrative Dana!!

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adrie

1:53PM | Sat, 28 December 2013

Outstanding photoshot Dana!

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jendellas

2:03PM | Sat, 28 December 2013

it must be hard for them with the wings not easily dried??? xx

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giulband

2:39PM | Sat, 28 December 2013

good shot !

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eekdog

3:18PM | Sat, 28 December 2013

great info and nice capture, Dana. Happy New Year.

alanwilliams

5:04PM | Sat, 28 December 2013

wonderful detail

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sandra46

5:20PM | Sat, 28 December 2013

WONDERFUL WORK

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Faemike55

6:39PM | Sat, 28 December 2013

Very cool photo and fascinating information Thanks for sharing

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flavia49

7:03PM | Sat, 28 December 2013

fabulous image

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Kaartijer

7:47PM | Sat, 28 December 2013

Following her name, I was just about to love her... I thought it's called snakebird because she hunts snakes. Big disappointment :)) Great shot and details, Dana!

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