Anhinga

Anhinga

Anhinga has very long and thin neck and it often prenches with its wings spread to dry them. It is long, dark, waterbird with a loosely jointed tail. The adult male has black head and the neck, body has white plumes and the stripes on wings coverts. The adult female has tan neck and head with black body with white plumes and wings coverts. The habitat of anhinga is freshwater and coastal aquatic which includes shrubs or shores and also includes swamps, mangrove swamp and seeks refuge from danger in the water and perch.The primary food for this bird is fish. But its diet also contains insects and aquatic invertebrates.

Interesting Facts:

The Anhinga does not have oil glands for waterproofing its fine hair like most water birds. When it swims, it gets wet which allows it to move more powerfully under water. When it leaves the water, it must stretch its wings and dry in the sun.