African Darter

The African darter, Anhinga rufa, is a striking waterbird known for its sinuous neck, which has earned it the nickname "snakebird." This species measures approximately 80 cm in length, with males displaying a glossy black plumage adorned with white streaking. Females and immature birds present a more subdued brown coloration.

Identification Tips

Distinguishable from its relatives by a slender white stripe running down its neck set against a rufous backdrop, the African darter's pointed bill sets it apart from cormorants. Males are predominantly black with white streaks, while females and juveniles are browner.

Habitat

The African darter frequents large bodies of water across sub-Saharan Africa, favoring environments where it can perch and dive with ease.

Distribution

This bird is widespread and common throughout sub-Saharan Africa. A non-African subspecies, the Levant darter, was historically found in Turkey, Israel, and southern Iraq, but populations have faced significant declines due to habitat destruction and other environmental pressures.

Behaviour

The African darter is often seen swimming with just its neck above water, resembling a snake, a behavior it shares with other anhingas. It is an adept diver, hunting for fish, which it spears with its sharp bill. Due to its non-waterproof feathers, after diving, it must dry its wings by spreading them out in the sun and wind, a sight often observed alongside cormorants.

Breeding

This species constructs stick nests in trees, where it lays a clutch of 3 to 6 eggs. It is known to nest communally with herons, egrets, and cormorants.

Conservation status

The African darter is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of widespread decline.