breeding male

Adult: Glossy green-black. Black and silver-white streaks on upper wing and back. Spotted shoulders. "Long" is an appropriate adjective for this bird, with its pointy yellow bill, thin neck and fan-shaped tail - all make it easy to distinguish by their length. Webbed feet aid the Anhinga's search for aquatic prey.

Female adult: Browner in color, with pale brownish head, neck, throat and upper breast.

Immature: Similar to adult female but browner.

Habitat: Inshore waters. Freshwater marshes, lakes and rivers.

A Florida resident.

Text by Mary Jean Rogers, West Volusia Audubon.