Anhinga Poster

This is a low resolution image for the web, the print you'll get has sharp detail. A female Anhinga bird drying its wings, at the Everglades National Park in Florida. Photography by Minerva Bloom. The Anhinga sometimes called Snakebird, Darter, American Darter, or Water Turkey, is a water bird of the warmer parts of North America and South America. The word "anhinga" comes from the Brazilian Tupi language and means devil bird or snake bird. It is a cormorant-like bird. It often swims with only the neck above water. When swimming in this style the name Snakebird is apparent, since only the coloured neck appears above water the bird looks like a snake ready to strike. The Anhinga's feathers are not waterproofed by oils like those of ducks, and can get waterlogged, causing the bird to become barely buoyant. However, this allows it to dive easily and search for fish under the water. It can stay down for significant periods. When necessary, the Anhinga will dry out its wings and feathers.