I believe this is an adult male showing white breeding-plumage neck plumes. This individual seems to be actively
growing in new tail-feathers. I'm still trying to work out the molt sequence in this species. It appears that adults
such as this may have wispy down-like body feather structures which are raised when sunning to help dry the feathers
down to the base as seen here. These structures allow the absorption of water into their plumage.
The number of species included in the genus varies between two and four depending on the authority. Clements recognizes four species as follows:
- Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga)
- African Darter (Anhinga rufa)
- Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster)
- Australasian Darter (Anhinga novaehollandiae)
North American bird are assigned to the race A. a. leucogaster. They differ from the nominate South American subspecies in their smaller size and reduced extent of buff coloration on the tail tips and on the neck of the females.
They forage by swimming partially submerged using their sharp bill to spear fish. When under water they can control the amount of air in their subcutaneous air-sacs by partially spreading their wings. As adults their nostrils are fused shut and their tongue is just a stub.
Nikon P510 Coolpix Point-and-shoot.