Anhingas are a semi-aquatic bird, which uses the freshwater swamps for feeding. Since their feather are less water resistant than most other birds they can swim underwater, but they need to dry those feathers in order to fly well. Large waterbird with large, broad wings. In order to do this, Anhingas have a unique adaptation that allows them to hold their breath for extended periods of time. This is an impressive feat, considering that the average human can only hold their breath for about one minute. While swimming under water, anhingas use their sharp beak and strong webbed feet to spear small fish. [18], Anhingas swim with their webbed feet and pursue their prey, fish, under water and spear their prey by rapidly stretching out their neck. However, their waterlogged feathers allow them to dive easily and search for underwater prey, such as fish and amphibians. Anhinga, a Bird that can Swim and Fly - This is Life Now The limits on how long they can stay underwater are food and supplies. See a fully interactive migration map for this species on the Bird Migration Explorer. In addition to their range in the Americas, Anhingas have also been introduced to parts of Africa, Asia, and Australia. Washington D.C.: National Geographic Society. (Burger, et al., 1978; del Hoyo, et al., 1992), Anhingas are believed to reach sexual maturity around two years of age. Get Instant ID help for 650+ North American birds. Predators. Cormorants are able to maintain higher body temperatures and are found in colder regions of North America. 1. A platform of sticks, often lined with green leaves. The Anhingas diet consists of many small- to medium-sized wetland fishes, with very small amounts of crustaceans and invertebrates. Anhingas lack the insulating layer of feathers sported by double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus), which are sometimes confused with anhingas because of their similar appearance. [1], Male drying its feathers and warming its body, Florida, US, Frederick, P. C. and D. Siegel-Causey (2000). They catch their prey by diving underwater and using their strong legs to propel themselves forward. Some individuals move within the United States, while others migrate even farther south to Mexico. Of course this incredible ability underwater is not matched once out of the water; the adaptation for a life at sea has cost it the ability to fly. They eat mostly fish and invertebrates like crayfish. "=$g@eL@20 30` h Only birds that live in the extreme north and south of their range migrate and do so based on temperature and available sunlight. In sub-tropical or tropical latitudes, breeding can occur throughout the year, or be triggered by wet or dry seasons. Audubon protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. This is due to several physiological adaptations, including a high concentration of myoglobin in their muscles, a slower metabolism when underwater, and the ability to slow their heart rate. A. a. leucogaster can be found in the southern United States, Mexico, Cuba, and Grenada. Grants DRL 0089283, DRL 0628151, DUE 0633095, DRL 0918590, and DUE 1122742. Looks rather like a cormorant when perched, but not in flight, when the long tail may be spread wide as the Anhinga soars high on outstretched wings. The Anhinga has a relatively wide range, found throughout the southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America. Sometimes takes over an occupied nest of heron or egret. After every dip, it strikes a regal pose on the edges of shallow lakes and ponds, with its silvery wings outstretched and head held high to dry its waterlogged feathers. While Anhingas and Cormorants may look similar at first glance, they have several differences that set them apart. [23], Anhingas stalk fish underwater, mainly where there is some flora present. Anhinga Search in feature With its long neck and brown plumage, the ostrich is the tallest and heaviest bird on the planet. Anhinga distributions are more limited by temperature due to their low metabolic rate. Cypress swamps, rivers, wooded ponds. pelicans, tropicbirds, cormorants, and relatives. They dive up to 60 feet and can stay underwater for more than a minute, How long can anhinga stay underwater? `` !|F~ >; When spread in flight, the tail resembles that of a turkey. The northernmost Anhingas, which breed in the southeastern United States, including Florida, move south for the winter. [13] The back of the head and the neck have elongated feathers that have been described as gray[14] or light purple-white. Their distinctive appearance and behavior, such as perching with their wings outstretched and diving for fish, make them a fascinating species to watch and study. The tail is long and is used for providing lift, steering, braking, and balancing. Young: both parents feed young. Anhinga Overview, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology [21] Anhingas lose body heat relatively fast and their posture helps them absorb solar radiation from the sun to counter this. ADW: Anhinga anhinga: INFORMATION - Animal Diversity Web Displays include waving wings, raising tail up over back, pointing bill skyward and then bowing deeply. Nests in loose groups. 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