Species BirdsAnhinga

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

CommonBird
Illustration of Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga)

The Anhinga, also known as the 'snakebird,' swims with its body submerged and only its long, serpentine neck showing above the water. It hunts by stalking fish underwater and impaling them on its sharp bill with a strike of its S-curved neck. Like cormorants, it must spread its wings to dry after diving since it lacks waterproof plumage.

Habitat
Freshwater swamps, lakes, and slow-moving rivers in the Southeast
Diet
Fish, frogs, aquatic invertebrates, and snakes
How common
Common

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