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Photo: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source ↗
African Darter
Slanghalsvoël · Anhinga rufa
Often called the 'snake bird', the African Darter swims with only its long, thin neck above the water, looking just like a snake gliding along. It dives to spear fish with its sharp, pointed bill. Because its feathers are not fully waterproof, it spreads its wings wide on a branch afterwards to dry them in the sun.
Log your African Darter sighting — free →How to identify it
Look for the long, snake-like neck held in a kink, often the only part visible above the water.
Where to see it in Kruger
Common on dams and quiet river stretches, including the Sabie, Olifants and Letaba Rivers.
Did you know
When swimming, only its skinny neck shows above the surface, so it looks just like a snake gliding by!
Often confused with
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