anhinga

 

 

 

 


 

Anhingas do not have well developed oil glands for waterproofing their feathers like most water birds

so they spread their wings to dry in the sun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 






 

 

 









For obvious reasons they are nicknamed the "snake-bird" or "water turkey".

 

Excellent swimmers, the anhinga can remain submerged for long periods.




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




They spear their prey (mostly fish) with their pointed beak like an arrow

then flip it into the air and gulp it down headfirst

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another nickname for the bird is "piano bird" due it's unique wing markings during breeding season. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mother and father

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

juveniles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 four feet wingspan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 












 

 

 

 

 

   
 

 













 

 

 

 

 








 

 
















 

 

 

 

 

 




 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a familiar sight in Florida

 

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