I wish to alternate my posts between scientific and philosophical musings with appears to be like at some fascinating birds. Right this moment the fowl is the Anhinga.

The phrase “anhinga” is derived from the native Brazilian Tupi-Guarani language phrase “ana’ĩnĩa,” which interprets to “satan fowl”, “snake fowl” or “evil spirit of the woods.” The Tupi folks (one of many largest indigenous teams of individuals in Brazil) named the fowl due to its eerie look and looking habits. Europeans adopted this title which advanced into “anhinga,” the frequent English title for the species. The scientific title is Anhinga anhinga. {A variety of animal species have the identical title for each genus and species, which creates a scientific title often known as a tautonym.)

Anhingas wouldn’t have oil glands to waterproof their feathers as most water birds do and the microscopic constructions of their feathers enable the water to penetrate by means of the feathers to the pores and skin. This makes them efficient swimmers, not having to battle a buoyant physique. Once they swim, most of their physique is underwater with solely the top and neck uncovered, resembling a swimming snake. After looking, Anhingas sit in shrubs and bushes with their again to the solar and stretch out their waterlogged wings to dry. Their plumage is primarily darkish brown or black with silver-white streaks and spots on the again and wings; the invoice is yellow, and the toes are webbed. They not often stroll on land however are wonderful fliers. The pointed invoice and lengthy tail distinction with the same aquatic- dwelling cormorant which has a hooked beak and brief tail.

The Anhinga inhabits quite a lot of wetlands, particularly these sheltered by bushes and primarily feeds on small fish, however it could additionally eat amphibians, crustaceans, leeches, and even small reptiles. It hunts by swimming stealthily by means of the water, utilizing its lengthy neck to spear fish. Slightly than chase a prey merchandise they look forward to it to come back shut sufficient to assault. The neck, particularly tailored to twist again into an S-shape, allows the fowl to lunge ahead with nice power. The fowl is usually referred to as a “darter” due to this motion. As soon as the prey is impaled on its invoice, the Anhinga brings it to the floor to swallow it entire.

Breeding season for Anhingas begins with the males partaking in elaborate courtship shows to draw females. The shows typically contain exaggerated actions of their lengthy necks, opening and shutting their payments, and spreading their wings to showcase their hanging plumage. As soon as a pair has shaped, they construct a nest collectively in a colony, usually in bushes close to water our bodies resembling swamps, marshes, or lakes, excessive above the bottom. The feminine lays two to 5 pale blue eggs. Each dad and mom share incubation duties for about 4 weeks. The hatchlings are altricial, which means they’re born bare and comparatively undeveloped, requiring appreciable care. The chicks develop quickly on a weight-reduction plan of fish the dad and mom carry them. After about seven to eight weeks, the chicks turn into absolutely feathered and are able to fledge. At this stage, they go away the nest and start training their flying and looking abilities. The dad and mom proceed to help and feed them throughout this transitional interval till they will fend for themselves.

There are 4 species of Anhinga within the household Anhigidae, one every in Northand and South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia.