About the African Darter
The African darter (Anhinga rufa), sometimes called the snakebird, is a water bird of Sub-Saharan Africa and Iraq.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The African darter is 80 cm (31 in) long. Like other anhingas, it has a very long neck. The male is mainly glossy black with white streaking; females and immature birds are browner. The African darter differs in appearance from the American darter most recognisably by its thin white lateral neck stripe against a rufous background colour. The pointed bill prevents confusion with cormorants.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Mexico, Burkina Faso, Sudan.
When to see it
Peak activity in November · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Oriental DarterAnhinga melanogasterThe Oriental darter is like all other anhingas, a cormorant-like species that has a very long neck.
Australasian DarterAnhinga novaehollandiaeThe Australasian darter is a slim bird measuring 86–94 cm (34–37 in) long with a snakelike slender neck.
AnhingaAnhinga anhingaThe anhinga is a large bird, measuring approximately 89 cm (35 in) in length (with a range of 75–95 cm (30–37 in)), with a 1.14 m (3.7 ft) wingspan.
Side by side: African Darter vs Anhinga · African Darter vs Australasian Darter · African Darter vs Oriental Darter
Learn the African Darter for real
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