Anhinga Anhinga anhinga

Identification Tips:

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

Adult male:

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

Adult female:

• Tan head and neck
• Black body with white plumes and edgings on wing coverts

Similar species:

Cormorants have hooked bills, and shorter tails and necks.

Length and wingspan from: Robbins, C.S., Bruun, B., Zim, H.S., (1966). Birds of North America. New York: Western Publishing Company, Inc.