Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #70

Belize is home to over 500 species of birds, making it a premier birding destination. Its rich avian diversity, coupled with its lush landscapes and vibrant culture, make it a must-visit destination for birders and nature enthusiasts alike. Using my personal photographs in a blog post format, viewers will learn about the natural history and conservation status of these interesting birds in this beautiful country.
A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain

WHAT’S IN A NAME

Anhinga – Anhinga anhinga
Tupí name Anhinga little head, for an evil spirit of the forests, the devil bird;

About this Species

The Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga), often referred to as the “Snakebird” or “Water Turkey,” possesses several distinctive physical characteristics. These aquatic birds have long, sinuous necks and sharp, pointed bills adapted for spearing fish. They showcase predominantly dark plumage, with glossy black feathers on their upperparts and a white or pale silver underside. Their long tail feathers, often with a distinctive white tip, add to their striking appearance.

The Anhinga is a remarkable aquatic bird native to the Americas. These birds are commonly found in freshwater habitats, including swamps, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. Anhingas are known for their exceptional underwater foraging abilities, as they swim submerged, using their sharp bills to spear fish. After fishing, they can often be seen perched in trees with their wings spread wide open to dry their feathers, as they lack the waterproof oils that many other water birds possess.

Previous posts from Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog

• White Ibis
• Limpkin
• Anhinga
• Scaly-breasted Hummingbird
• Gray-breasted Martin