Ryan Photographic - Anhingidae - Snake birds, darters
FamilyAnhingidae
The family Anhingidae is represented by four species in the one genus, Anhinga. Anhingas have dense bones, small air sacs and wettable pumage so are efficient divers. They spear prey with their sharp bill and throw it into the air at the surface so they can swallow it head first. Like cormorants they may often be seen with their wings spread out to dry.
Anhinga anhinga, American darter
Anhinga anhinga, American darter, Shark Valley, Everglades National Park 5P7A9236
Anhinga melanogaster, Oriental darter
Anhinga melanogaster, Oriental darter, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka 55P7A8835