Thursday, January 12, 2017

Anhinga

Anhinga
Anhingas are a waterfowl that is found primarily around fresh water swamps and marshes. In the U.S. they breed around the Gulf Coast from Florida to Texas, with he populations in Florida staying year round. They are more common in the coastal areas of Mexico and Central America as well as the northeastern half of South America. Their primary food source is fish, which they hunt by swimming under the water and stalking their prey though the aquatic vegetation and then stabbing them with their pointy beaks.Unfortunately anhingas do not produce the oils that ducks and other waterfowls use to waterproof their feathers, so after each swim the anhinga will look for a safe place where they can perch with their wings stretched out so that their feathers can dry. I took this photo at the Everglades National Park in south Florida.



7 comments:

Su-sieee! Mac said...

A handsome bird that anhinga is. I wonder if it's related to the herons.

A Colorful World said...

They are fascinating birds. I love to watch them dry their feathers. Thanks for a great post!

Black Jack's Carol said...

Loved seeing the Anhinga. A new bird for me. It seems to resemble the cormorants we have here in Vancouver. I believe they, too, have to dry out their wings after diving. Very interesting post and wonderfully detailed photograph. Many thanks!

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Beautiful shot. Have a lovely weekend.

Trubes said...

I too thought it looked like a Heron,I think I
saw some similar round the Everglades in Florida.
We stayed on Anna Maria Island which was just off
mainland Sarastota...gorgeous place we had an orange,
lemon and grapefruit grove in the grounds of the
property where we stayed and the visiting herons would
peck at the fruit trees.
Great picture
Di,
ABCW team.

Roger Owen Green said...

oh, pls delete that last comment spammer. too good for your fine blog

ROG, ABCW

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