Anhinga, << an HIHNG guh, >> also called American darter, is a large bird that lives in swamps, ponds, and rivers in warm regions of the Western Hemisphere. It is found from the south-central and southeastern United States to Argentina. The anhinga measures about 3 feet (91 centimeters) in length, with a long, thin neck; a small head and pointed bill; and webbed feet. It has glossy black feathers, with silver markings on the back of the wings and neck, and a broad, brown-tipped tail. The anhinga feeds on fish and other water animals, which it spears with its bill. It is an excellent swimmer and a strong flier. The anhinga is sometimes called the snakebird because it often swims with only its head and snakelike neck visible above the surface.
The Old World darters, which closely resemble the anhinga, live in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, New Guinea, and Australia. Most experts recognize three species of Old World darters, the African, Oriental, and Australian darters.
