Anhinga

/ænˈhɪŋɡə/ noun

Definition

A water bird with a long thin neck, also called a snakebird or darter, that dives underwater to catch fish by spearing them with its sharp bill.

Etymology

From Portuguese/Tupi 'anhinga,' derived from the Tupi indigenous word meaning 'demon bird' or 'bird of ill omen.' The term entered English through naturalists studying South American wildlife.

Kelly Says

Anhingas are the ninjas of the bird world—they swim underwater almost completely submerged with only their serpentine necks showing, which looks so alien that sailors used to report seeing actual sea snakes!

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