Distribution and habitat: Anhingas are found in the warm, moist areas of the southern United States, Central America, and northern South America. They are most common near rivers and swamps, where they spend much of their time in the water. In fact, they are also called water turkeys because of the amount of time they spend swimming.
Physical description: Anhingas average 30 inches in body length. Wingspan ranges between 35 and 50 inches. Like most other aquatic birds, thy do not weigh very much, rarely exceeding 3.5 pounds. Males are mostly black with mostly white wings. Females are basically the same, but possess brown necks and chests.
Food and predators: In addition to water turkeys, anhingas are also called snakebirds. This makes most people believe that anhingas consume snakes, although more than 90 percent of their diet consists of fish. They will occasionally consume frogs and crawfish.
Interesting facts: Unlike most other aquatic birds, anhingas' feathers are not waterproof. This is why they are often seen basking with their wings stretched out. Anhingas are considered some of the best diving freshwater birds. Anhingas learn how to swim before they learn how to fly.
Status: Anhingas are very common in warm areas with access to freshwater. In America, they are abundant in Florida because of the humidity and amount of freshwater. Although pollution is destroying wetlands, anhinga populations are steady and not expected to drop any time soon.
Physical description: Anhingas average 30 inches in body length. Wingspan ranges between 35 and 50 inches. Like most other aquatic birds, thy do not weigh very much, rarely exceeding 3.5 pounds. Males are mostly black with mostly white wings. Females are basically the same, but possess brown necks and chests.
Food and predators: In addition to water turkeys, anhingas are also called snakebirds. This makes most people believe that anhingas consume snakes, although more than 90 percent of their diet consists of fish. They will occasionally consume frogs and crawfish.
Interesting facts: Unlike most other aquatic birds, anhingas' feathers are not waterproof. This is why they are often seen basking with their wings stretched out. Anhingas are considered some of the best diving freshwater birds. Anhingas learn how to swim before they learn how to fly.
Status: Anhingas are very common in warm areas with access to freshwater. In America, they are abundant in Florida because of the humidity and amount of freshwater. Although pollution is destroying wetlands, anhinga populations are steady and not expected to drop any time soon.