The name anhinga means snake bird or devil bird and is derived from the fact that this unusual bird swims with almost its entire body submerged with just its neck and head above water giving the impression of a snake in the water.
Source: Wikipedia
The anhinga is in the darter family of birds and is also known as the water turkey. It lives around the world in warm shallow waters and dives for fish and amphibians. It uses its long pointed bill almost like a spear, and once its caught a fish, it swallows it whole. This bird doesn't have waterproof feathers so spends a lot of time drying them in the sun and showing off its up to 46-inch wingspan.
Source: Wikipedia
American anhingas can be found in the southern U.S. (although they have been seen as far north as Pennsylvania) and Mexico, Cuba and Grenada, and another subspecies lives in South America and the Caribbean.
Source: Wikipedia
I was glad to get the calendar, but also for the opportunity to learn about this impressive bird. To see videos of an anhinga diving for and eating breakfast, click here and here.
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