The Anhinga: Fascinating Snakeneck Waterfowl of Warm Wetlands
The Anhinga, a member of the Pelecaniformes family, is a medium-small waterfowl measuring about 35 inches in length. Known for its long, snake-like neck, yellow pointed bill, and fan-like tail, this bird thrives in warm wetlands and forest edges. It primarily feeds on fish, crayfish, and frogs, using a unique spearing technique to catch prey. Anhingas are solitary during the day but roost in colonies at night. They typically lay 1-5 bluish-white speckled eggs, which both parents incubate. Chicks are altricial, growing rapidly and reaching maturity in about three years.
The Anhinga: Fascinating Snakeneck Waterfowl of Warm Wetlands
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Presentation Transcript
Pelecaniformes anhingidae
Anhingas, Snakenecks and Darters • Medium-small waterfowl, about 35 inches in length • Long, snake-like necks, yellow pointed bills, and a long tail that can be fanned out • Live in warm wetlands and along the edges of forest ponds/lakes/rivers • Consumes mostly fish, crayfish, and frogs. Catches prey by spearing them from water, flicking into air, then catching and swallowing head-first • Live and feed solitary during day, but roost in a colony, occasionally with other species of waterfowl • Lays 1-5 eggs at a time, eggs are bluish-white with speckles, both parents incubate eggs at same time • Chicks are altricial. Born bald, grow down after a few days. In two weeks, down turns white and is replaced with juvenile feathers. Fully developed after about three years.
