Fauna
Bird · GBIF taxon 2482082

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

Also known as Snakebird

The Anhinga is a long-necked aquatic bird that swims low in the water and spears fish with a straight pointed bill. Because its plumage becomes waterlogged, it often perches after diving with wings spread to dry.

Diving WaterbirdSpear FisherWing-drying Perch
Anhinga reference1 / 7
Licensed referenceTim from Ithaca / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Small fish
  • Crayfish
  • Aquatic insects
Predators
  • Alligators
  • Large raptors
  • Raccoons
ThreatsWetland drainage, water pollution, fishing-line entanglement, nest disturbance, and severe freezes
HabitatsFreshwater marshes, cypress swamps, slow rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and mangroves
Life spanOften 8 to 12 years, with some wild birds living longer
Classification
  1. OrderSuliformes
  2. FamilyAnhingidae
  3. GenusAnhinga
  4. SpeciesAnhinga anhinga
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
Give perched birds room to dry and never approach a nesting colony.
Responsible observation
  • Swimming: Look for only the slender neck and head above water.
  • Perching: Wing spreading after a dive is normal drying behavior.
Related species

Related species have not been added yet.

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