Click here to learn more about Anhingas:
Anhingas are the third most common bird that breeds at the rookery. Typically, less than a half-dozen Anhinga pairs breed on the island.
Female:
- Head, neck: Tan.
- Other feathers: Black.
- Legs, feet: Yellow/orange.
- Bill: Yellow/orange.
Male:
- Feathers: Black, silver/white streaks.
- Legs, feet: Yellow/orange.
- Bill: Yellow/orange.
Immature:
- Same as female, but Breast: Tan.
The most distinguishing feature of the Anhinga is their erratic neck and head movements, both in and out of the water. This has earn them the nickname "snakebird." They are also well-known to stand with their wings spread, using the sun and wind to dry their feathers.
Anhingas are often confused with Cormorants. There is an easy mnemonic aid. Anhingas have pointy sharp bills, like the pointy "A" in Anhinga. Cormorants have a downward curve at the end of their bills, like the "C" in Cormorant.
Anhingas are typically 2.5 - 3 feet tall, with a wingspan of about 3.5 feet.
Anhingas eat moderatly-sized fish, amphibians, and insects.
Anhingas fish by swimming in the water, often fully submerged. To aid this, they produce less preening oil, and their bones are more dense than other water birds.
Anhingas lay up to six pale blue/green eggs.
