Male Anhinga Drying | Florida, USA | Edward Mikol Photography

An anhinga is perched on a snag with its wings spread drying its wings after fishing — Male Anhinga Drying

Florida, USA

The anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) is sometimes called snakebird, darter, American darter, or water turkey. The word anhinga comes from a'ñinga in the Brazilian Tupi language and means "devil bird" or "snake bird". Their dense bones, wetted plumage, and neutral buoyancy in water allow them to fully submerge and hunt for underwater prey. Thus, when swimming, only the neck appears above water and it is said they look like a snake ready to strike.

Some birds such as ducks, ospreys and pelicans coat their feathers with oils from the uropygial gland. The anhinga does not have this ability so their feathers get saturated upon immersion into water. With wet feathers, takeoff is difficult and they can be seen “running” on the surface of the water as they attempt to fly.Anhingas are often seen basking in the sun with outstretched to dry them.
Photo © copyright by Dr. Edward Mikol.

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