Anhinga by danapommet
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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)
very beautiful bird and not one I recall seeing. superb photo. happy new year
A very good photo of it Dana and good info too.
Thankyou for explaining the difference between these and Cormorants, I have often wondered!
interessant!
Very beautiful capture in full view, interesting infos too, thanks, Dana!
Excellent capture of this beautiful blue bird, and the infos are interesting, Dana !
Beautiful capture and great narrative Dana!!
Outstanding photoshot Dana!
it must be hard for them with the wings not easily dried??? xx
good shot !
great info and nice capture, Dana. Happy New Year.
wonderful detail
WONDERFUL WORK
Very cool photo and fascinating information Thanks for sharing
fabulous image
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!
Very beautiful bird Dana, excellent timing as usual, amazing work!
A great Shot....with easier blur and the bird in move......excellent. Thanks for info. All good wishes for the New Year you and your family!!! Juli
Nice shot Dana It's a great looking bird if not a bit weird.
Interesting bird and info. Aloha
Never heard of this bird great capture my friend and have a great New Year.
That's a good shot Dana, it's a fascinating bird
Nicely captured! I love when they do this "flasher" pose.
Excellent view of this bird with it's wings displayed.
cool
Marvelous capture and fantastic timming... Wonderfully captured!
fantastic!! bird and pic! wishing you & yours a wonderful 2014, Dana!!
Very nice capture and photo!
I love your wildlife pictures and I can tell that you have a love for them yourself. Very nice shot!!!
A fantastic shot of this unusual and amazing bird.It is interesting to learn the background information about it also.