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Go to Swamp/Marsh Birds - Range Map

Description: The Anhinga, often called "Water Turkey" or "Snake Bird" is a large bird of the southern swamps, marshes and lagoons. Because its wings are not waterproof, the Anhinga must spend long periods of time drying them in the sun.

The Anhinga measures about three feet in length. Males are mostly black with a long, sharp bill, long S-shaped neck, wide tail, and large silvery wing patches. The female Anhinga is similar with a light brown head and neck.

Diet: The Anhinga spears fish with its sharp bill, flips them in the air, and then swallows them whole.

Range: The Anhinga is a year-round resident in Florida. It also breeds along the Gulf coast, and along the Atlantic coast north to southern North Carolina. The Anhinga is also common in coastal Mexico, the Caribbean, and throughout much of South America.

Habitat: Freshwater ponds, marshes, lagoons and swamps where there is ample vegetation.

Status: The Anhinga is common.