(Credit: U. S. Geological Survey)

Anhinga - Anhinga anhinga

Identification Tips:

  1. Length: 28 inches Wingspan: 47 inches
  2. Large, dark waterbird with long, loosely-jointed tail
  3. Very long, thin neck
  4. Long, pointed bill
  5. Often perches with wings spread to dry them
  6. Often swims with just head and neck above surface
  7. May soar for extended periods, like a hawk

Adult male:

  1. Black head, neck and body with white plumes and edgings on wing coverts

Adult female:

  1. Tan head and neck
  2. Black body with white plumes and edgings on wing coverts

Similar species:

Cormorants have hooked bills, and shorter tails and necks.