Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster) पनवा, तिरंदाज, सर्पपक्षी - Birds Around Me 0242
The Snakebird: Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster) पनवा, तिरंदाज, सर्पपक्षी
For amateur birders, few species are as intriguing as the snakebird, also known as the darter or anhinga. Its unusual hunting style, striking plumage, and snake-like silhouette make it a bird worth learning about and spotting in the wild.
 |
| Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster) पनवा, तिरंदाज, सर्पपक्षी Jabalpur, December 2024 |
The snakebird’s long, slender neck and sharp, pointed bill are perfectly adapted for fishing. Unlike ducks or herons, it swims with its body submerged, leaving only its neck visible above the water. This gives it the appearance of a snake gliding across the surface—hence the name. When hunting, it spears fish underwater, then brings them above the surface, tossing and juggling them before swallowing headfirst. Watching this process is a highlight for any birder.
Like cormorants, snakebirds have wettable feathers that allow them to dive easily but prevent them from staying buoyant. After fishing, they often perch on rocks or branches with wings spread wide to dry. This dramatic pose is one of the most recognizable sights in wetlands and a perfect moment for photography.
Adult snakebirds are mostly black, with silvery streaks along the wings that shimmer in sunlight. Their crown and neck are brown, shading into black toward the back. A pale line above the eye and throat, along with stripes along the neck, give them a distinctive patterned look. The iris is white with a yellow ring, which becomes brighter during breeding season.
Sexes are not easily distinguished, but males often show black speckles on the throat, while females have shorter bills and a buff-colored band separating the black of the neck and chest. Immature birds display yellow legs and webbing, while breeding adults develop darker grey tarsi and toes with yellow webbing.
Snakebirds thrive in freshwater habitats such as lakes, rivers, and marshes. They prefer quiet waters with plenty of perches for drying their wings. If you’re birding near wetlands, look for the telltale “snake-like” neck gliding above the surface.
https://birds.rekabira.in/p/this-is-list-of-birds-i-clicked-since.html
 |
| Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster) पनवा, तिरंदाज, सर्पपक्षी Jabalpur, December 2024 |
 |
| Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster) पनवा, तिरंदाज, सर्पपक्षी Jabalpur, December 2024 |
 |
| Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster) पनवा, तिरंदाज, सर्पपक्षी Jabalpur, December 2024 |
.jpg)
.jpg)
Comments
Post a Comment