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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga ORDER: SULIFORMES FAMILY: ANHINGIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Anhinga Photo

© William L. Newton / CLO

A bird of southern swamps, the Anhinga is known as the Water-Turkey for its swimming habits and broad tail, and also as the Snake-Bird for its habit of swimming with just its long head and neck sticking out of the water.

Come watch nesting birds at Nestcams.org

Appearance

Heronlike
Heronlike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Large, dark water bird.
  • Long thin neck.
  • Long, thin, pointed bill.
  • Long tail.
  • Silver patches on wings.

Immature Description

Similar to adult female.

Range Map Help

Anhinga Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

  • Male nonbreeding
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    Anhinga

    Male nonbreeding
    • © William L. Newton / CLO
  • Adult female
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    Anhinga

    Adult female
    • Long-necked waterbird with slender, dagger-like bill
    • Long tail
    • Buffy head and neck with black chin and black belly
    • Finely-patterned black and white wings
    • © Susan E. Newman, Anhinga Trail, Everglades NP, Florida, December 2011
  • Female
    Zoom In

    Anhinga

    Female
    • © William L. Newton / CLO
  • Adult
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    Anhinga

    Adult
    • Swimming
    • © William L. Newton / CLO
  • Male breeding
    Zoom In

    Anhinga

    Male breeding
    • © William L. Newton / CLO

Similar Species

  • Cormorants have shorter tails, shorter and blunter bills, and lack silvery wing patches.