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WetlandPlatform nestLarge · 1.2 kg
ID tip
The 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. The A. a. anhinga subspecies is larger than A. a. leucogaster and has broader buffy tail tips. They weigh on average around 1.22 kg (2.7 lb), with a range of 1.04–1.35 kg (2.3–3.0 lb). The bill is relatively long (about twice the length of the head), sharply pointed, and yellow, and the webbed feet are yellow as well. The male is glossy black-green, including its wings and the base of its wings, while its tail is glossy black-blue.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Anhinga
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is January, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Anhinga
The map shades 26 countries with regular records, and 1 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Canada.
About the Anhinga
The anhinga, sometimes called darter, American darter, snakebird, or water turkey, is a water bird of the warmer parts of the Americas. The word anhinga comes from a'ñinga in the Brazilian Tupi language and means "devil bird" or "snake bird". The origin of the name is apparent when swimming: only the neck appears above water, so the bird looks like a snake ready to strike. They do not have external nares (nostrils) and breathe solely through their epiglottis, via small opercula at the corners of the beak.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Australasian DarterAnhinga novaehollandiaeThe Australasian darter is a slim bird measuring 86–94 cm (34–37 in) long with a snakelike slender neck.
Oriental DarterAnhinga melanogasterThe Oriental darter is like all other anhingas, a cormorant-like species that has a very long neck.
African DarterAnhinga rufaThe African darter is 80 cm (31 in) long.
Side by side: Anhinga vs Australasian Darter · Anhinga vs Oriental Darter · African Darter vs Anhinga
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