Anhinga: where and when to see them

The anhinga is a long-necked waterbird of warm American wetlands, particularly familiar around Florida’s freshwater marshes and ponds. Its slender, pointed bill is used to spear fish, while its long tail and patterned wings give perched birds a distinctive silhouette. Often called the snakebird, it may swim with little more than its head and neck showing. Although dependent on aquatic prey, it is readily observed from dry land when resting, nesting or spreading its wings.

Size

75-95 cm long

Weight

1.0-1.4 kg

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Anhingas frequently perch on exposed branches with their wings spread, helping dry the plumage and regulate heat. Their feathers resist water less effectively than those of many other waterbirds, aiding low buoyancy during pursuit of fish. After securing prey, a bird manipulates it into position for swallowing headfirst. Breeding birds nest in trees or shrubs near water, sometimes alongside other colonial waterbirds. They also soar on rising warm air, holding the long tail conspicuously spread. Anhingas frequently perch on exposed branches with their wings spread, helping dry the plumage and regulate heat. Their feathers resist water less effectively than those of many other waterbirds, aiding low buoyancy during pursuit of fish. After securing prey, a bird manipulates it into position for swallowing headfirst. Breeding birds nest in trees or shrubs near water, sometimes alongside other colonial waterbirds. They also soar on rising warm air, holding the long tail conspicuously spread. When disturbed at a nest, anhingas may stretch their neck and bill towards the intruder, sometimes regurgitating food or striking with their bill as a defense mechanism.

• Snakebird refers to its habit of swimming with mainly the neck visible.
• Females have a tan head and neck, unlike the darker adult male.
• Its scientific name derives from an Indigenous Brazilian name for the bird.
• It can soar high above wetlands using rising warm air.

Anhingas are present in Florida throughout the year. November through April generally offers comfortable wetland walks, and breeding displays may become visible at established colonies during late winter and spring. Local water depth, fish availability and nesting schedules affect observation opportunities. Anhingas are present in Florida throughout the year. November through April generally offers comfortable wetland walks, and breeding displays may become visible at established colonies during late winter and spring. Local water depth, fish availability and nesting schedules affect observation opportunities. Their breeding season typically peaks from March to May in Florida, when elaborate courtship displays and nesting activity are most observable. During cooler months, anhingas may be more conspicuous as they seek sunny perches to warm up after foraging dives.

Sheltered freshwater wetlands with fish, nearby perches and nesting vegetation are ideal. Anhingas use marshes, swamps, ponds, slow rivers and canals, sometimes entering brackish areas. Open branches over water and wooded wetland margins are especially useful features for shore-based observation. Sheltered freshwater wetlands with fish, nearby perches and nesting vegetation are ideal. Anhingas use marshes, swamps, ponds, slow rivers and canals, sometimes entering brackish areas. Open branches over water and wooded wetland margins are especially useful features for shore-based observation. While primarily found in freshwater, they may occasionally forage in coastal estuaries or mangrove channels, especially during high tides. Their presence indicates a healthy aquatic ecosystem capable of supporting a diverse fish population.

Fish make up most of the diet, with occasional crustaceans and other aquatic animals. The sharp bill pins or spears prey rather than gripping it with a hooked tip. Captured fish must then be repositioned so they can be swallowed headfirst. Fish make up most of the diet, with occasional crustaceans and other aquatic animals. The sharp bill pins or spears prey rather than gripping it with a hooked tip. Captured fish must then be repositioned so they can be swallowed headfirst. Anhingas are pursuit divers, using their slender bodies and webbed feet to actively chase and capture prey underwater. They primarily target small to medium-sized, slow-moving fish species that are easy to spear.

Common name

Anhinga

Scientific name

Anhinga anhinga

Animal group

Birds

Size

75-95 cm long

Weight

1.0-1.4 kg

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Identification

Its straight dagger-like bill and long fan-shaped tail distinguish it from cormorants, which have a hooked bill tip and usually a shorter-looking neck. Its straight dagger-like bill and long fan-shaped tail distinguish it from cormorants, which have a hooked bill tip and usually a shorter-looking neck. Adult males are largely glossy black with silvery streaks on the upper back and wings, while females and immatures have a brownish head, neck, and chest. The distinct S-shaped curve of its long neck in flight, combined with its long tail, also helps differentiate it from other waterbirds.