Fauna
Bird

Oriental Darter

Anhinga melanogaster

Also known as Indian Darter, Snakebird, Asian Darter

Gliding low through tropical wetlands with only its sinuous neck breaking the water surface, this aquatic hunter stalks fish beneath the current before impaling them with lightning-fast thrusts of its dagger-like bill. After each submerged foray, it hauls out onto exposed branches or riverbanks, fanning its saturated wings wide to dry in the sun because its plumage lacks buoyant waterproofing oils. Breeds colonial stick nests high in trees over water, often amidst herons and cormorants, raising broods that vocalize with rasping clicks.

PiscivoreAquaticWetland
Oriental Darter reference1 / 7
(c) Pranav Chandra Bose, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyFreshwater Catfish, Gourami, Tilapia
Predators
  • Crested Serpent Eagle
  • Estuarine Crocodile
  • Water Monitor
ThreatsWetland drainage, agricultural pollution, gillnet entanglement, and nesting site disturbance
HabitatsFreshwater lakes, slow-moving rivers, swamps, reservoirs, and marshes
Life span10–15 years
Classification
  1. FamilyAnhingidae
  2. SpeciesAnhinga melanogaster
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Sharp bill can stab aggressively if cornered or handled; observe from a respectful distance.
What to notice
Slender, kinky neck with a sharp needle-pointed bill, silver-streaked dark plumage, and a long rounded tail.
Support conservation
Keep boats and foot traffic well clear of nesting trees to prevent parents from abandoning sensitive chicks.
Responsible observation
  • Viewing stance: Scan dead snags and overhanging boughs along water margins where individuals perch spread-winged to dry.
  • Water watching: Look for a periscope-like neck moving steadily through calm water while the body stays completely submerged.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…