The Anhinga Bird belongs to the Family Fregatidae alsoknown as the Frigate Birds. Other common names include: Snakebird, WaterTurkey, and Darter.
Anhingas are a large, dark waterbird with long, loosely-jointedtail and a very long, thin neck, and long, pointed bill. The head and neckof the male is black, females exhibit a tan neck, while inmatures appearmostly brown. They often perch with wings spread to dry and they swimwith just their head and neck above the water's surface. Their feather structure is designedto facilitate diving and movement underwater. Anhingas may soar for extendedperiods, like a hawk.
Their range extends from the southeastern United Statesinto tropical South America. The more northern populations migrate southin flocks, spending winters near the Gulf Coast.
They can be seen all over Florida but chiefly in SouthFlorida, where they make their nests of sticks and twigs in forks of trees,high or low over the water hyacinths and green water lettuce of southernswamps and lakes.
Exclusively a fresh water bird, they spear fish underwaterwith their stiletto-like bills. Surfacing with a struggling fish, the Anhingatosses the fish free, catches it, and swallows the fish head first to avoidthe spines
The primary nesting season is March to June, when 3 to6, white to light bluish eggs are laid. They nest in the company of other nestingAnhingas, herons, or ibises.
FloridaEverglades-Guide to Photography
PatuxtentWildlife Research Center
Bibliography