Download
1 / 3
30 likes | 157 Views
Anhingas, medium-small waterfowl belonging to the family Anhingidae, average about 35 inches in length. Known for their long, snake-like necks and pointed yellow bills, these birds inhabit warm wetlands and the edges of ponds, lakes, and rivers. Their diet mainly consists of fish, crayfish, and frogs, which they catch by spearing and flicking into the air. While solitary during the day, they roost in colonies at night. Anhingas lay bluish-white, speckled eggs, with both parents sharing incubation duties. Chicks are altricial, reaching full maturity by around three years.
E N D
Pelecaniformes anhingidae
Anhingas, Snakenecks and Darters • Medium-small waterfowl, about 35 inches in length • Long, snake-like necks, yellow pointed bills, and a long tail that can be fanned out • Live in warm wetlands and along the edges of forest ponds/lakes/rivers • Consumes mostly fish, crayfish, and frogs. Catches prey by spearing them from water, flicking into air, then catching and swallowing head-first • Live and feed solitary during day, but roost in a colony, occasionally with other species of waterfowl • Lays 1-5 eggs at a time, eggs are bluish-white with speckles, both parents incubate eggs at same time • Chicks are altricial. Born bald, grow down after a few days. In two weeks, down turns white and is replaced with juvenile feathers. Fully developed after about three years. • Conservation: Least Concern
