Anhinga

Anhinga, also called darter, snakebird, or water turkey, large bird of the anhinga family that feeds in waters from southeast and southcentral United States to Argentina. Measuring about 3 ft (91 cm) long, it is glossy black, with silver and brown markings. The anhinga is a strong swimmer and flier. It has webbed feet and swims mostly submerged, with its snakelike neck visible, spearing fish with its long, sharp beak. It perches in an upright position, often with wings and long fan-shaped tail spread. Similar species are the cormorant and the darters of the Eastern Hemisphere.