Bird Gallery Index

Anhinga image © Bill Duke

Family: (Anhingidae) Darters

Preferred Habitat: Wooded swamps.

Seasonal Occurrence: Very common April through October. Less common in other months. Breeds in our area.

Notes: Anhingas look somewhat similar to cormorants, but their necks and tails are much longer. They're at their most distinctive when they perch in trees with wings opened wide, revealing large white wing patches. Anhingas prey mainly on fish. They swim in large ponds and lakes with only their neck and head above water, looking like miniature Loch Ness monsters. A few stay here in winter. David Sarkozi reports that large migrating flocks are often seen at the Smith Point Hawk Watch. Some of the most reliable areas to find Anhingas are Cullinan Park and Brazos Bend State Park.
- Susan Billetdeaux