Project Description
Anhinga
Anhinga anhinga
Range/Geographical Distribution: Southeast United States south to Argentina
Habitat: Lives and breeds near shallow, slow-moving bodies of freshwater.
Similar Species: Double-crested cormorant.
Description: A large, dark water bird with a long neck, silver wings, a long tail, and a pointed bill. Males are black-bodied and females have a buff neck and breast. Juveniles are brownish.
Size: Length: 29-37” Wingspan: 43” Weight: 1325-1350g
Food: Swims under water and spears fish, also will consume small crustaceans and other invertebrates.
Breeding: Nests in colonies with other water birds such as ibis, storks, and egrets. Lays pale bluish eggs on a bulky platform of sticks.
Predators: Alligators, crocodiles, ravens, and hawks.
Conservation Status: The anhinga is listed as least concern by IUCN but is threatened by entanglement in fishing line.
Interesting Facts: The anhinga may be seen soaring overhead without flapping its wings, much like a turkey vulture, and can travel long distances like this.
On the Coast: Anhingas can be found along the Georgia Coast near freshwater. They often perch above the water with their wings outstretched, drying.