DARTER BIRD. (Anhinga Novaehollandiae)

This is my entry for the #animalphotography challenge curated and sponsored by @juliank and @photocontests.

The Australasian Darter birds (Anhinga Novaehollandiae) are large, with long, snake like necks. They have sharp pointed bills and long, rounded tails and are sometimes called the 'Snakebird.' When swimming, only their necks are visible and they enjoy spreading their wings to dry when perched on rocks or in a tree.

They prefer freshwater wetlands, slightly brackish water or sheltered, saltwater coastal areas and they swim with their bodies submerged under water with only their flexible necks protruding above the water earning their nickname of snakebird.

Their long beaks become very effective spears when diving for fish and if the fish are small they will be swallowed underwater. Larger fish are bought to the surface, tossed in the air and devoured head first. They are graceful flyers but they do have a clumsy gait when walking.

Darter birds build their nests in trees, standing in water and migrate to deeper waters during droughts. They are generally solitary birds but pair up in breeding season. Although their nests are also solitary they can be seen to gather in colonies sharing habitats with cormorants, spoonbills and ibis. Darter chicks can swim from four weeks old and begin to fly after about 50 days.

An ibis, a darter bird and a swamp hen gather at the water's edge.

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