Australasian Darter

The Australasian darter, Anhinga novaehollandiae, is a species of bird with a distinctive snakelike neck and slim profile. Males are adorned with black plumage and a striking white streak that runs down the side of the head and neck, while females feature white underparts, creating a stark contrast between the sexes.

Identification Tips

To identify the Australasian darter, look for a bird measuring 86–94 cm in length with a long, slender neck reminiscent of a snake. The male's black plumage and white streak along the neck are key features, while the female can be recognized by her white underparts.

Habitat

The Australasian darter is typically found in freshwater or brackish wetlands deeper than half a meter, with a preference for environments that include fallen trees or logs and vegetated banks. It can also inhabit inland saltwater areas, though less commonly.

Distribution

This species is widespread across Australia, avoiding only the most arid deserts and plains. It also resides in the lowlands of New Guinea, New Britain, the Moluccas, and the Lesser Sunda Islands. While uncommon, it may appear as a vagrant in Tasmania.

Behaviour

The Australasian darter is known for its unique foraging behavior, often seen with just its head and neck above water. Its feathers absorb water to reduce buoyancy, enabling it to swim underwater in pursuit of prey.

Diet and Feeding

A versatile predator, the Australasian darter's diet includes a variety of fish such as Australian smelt, bony bream, and introduced species like goldfish and carp. It also consumes the New Guinea snake-necked turtle, as well as a range of invertebrates and insects.

Breeding

Breeding occurs once or occasionally twice a year, coinciding with seasonal floods. Nests are large, stick-made structures often found in cormorant colonies, distinguishable by their size and lack of guano. The darter lays 3 to 5 pale blue, elongated oval eggs covered in a chalky layer.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Australasian darter as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival at this time.