American Anhinga

Description:

The Anhinga is sometimes called the snakebird and often confused with the double crested cormorant. You can always distinguish the anhinga by its bill which is long, straight, sharply pointed and yellow. ( the cormorant has a hooked bill). The Anhinga often swims with just its head and neck above the water so that it looks like a snake getting ready to strike. The feathers of the anhinga can become waterlogged because of a lack of oils. This makes it easier for the bird to dive for fish and stay down longer in pursuit of its catch. Flying can be difficult once the wings are waterlogged, so the anhinga will spread them out in the sun to dry as seen in this photo.

Habitat:

Found in the southern United States in warm shallow waters.

Notes:

The Anhinga is protected in the US under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This Anhinga was seen fishing in the famous Winter Park sinkhole.