Sunday, May 03, 2009

Everglades Birds and Alligators



The bird spreading its wings "0:16" is called Anhinga. I like the bird best in this video. I had not known the name before visiting the Everglades.
It is a dark-plumaged fish-eater and often swims with only the neck above water.
When swimming, the colored neck appears above water, the bird looks like a snake.

The Anhinga's feathers are not waterproofed by oils like those of ducks causing the bird to become barely buoyant. However, this allows it to dive easily and search for fish under the water.

When necessary, the Anhinga will dry out its wings and feathers.
It will perch for long time with its wings spread to allow the drying process.

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