Anhinga

water bird · swimmer · Americas · unusual breath

Looks like a snake. When an anhinga swims, only its long neck sticks out of the water, making it look exactly like a snake gliding through the lake. That's why people call it the snakebird, and it's where the name comes from in Brazilian Tupi language, where anhinga means devil bird.

Breathes in a weird way. Unlike most birds, anhingas don't have nostrils on the outside of their beaks. Instead, they breathe through a special part called the epiglottis and tiny holes at the corners of their beak, which lets them stay underwater for longer.

Lives in warm places. Anhingas are found in the warmer parts of the Americas, where they spend their time diving and swimming in lakes, rivers, and swamps hunting for fish.

Many nicknames. This bird has so many names that people use, including darter, American darter, water turkey, and snakebird, but they all refer to the same clever water hunter.

Built for diving. With their long neck, special breathing system, and streamlined body, anhingas are perfectly designed to sneak through water and catch fish by surprise.