Definition

Noun 1. A fish-eating waterbird of warm inland waters, characterized by a very long, flexible neck and a slender, sharp-pointed bill. It is also commonly known as a "snakebird" or "darter."

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • We spotted an anhinga drying its wings on a cypress knee in the swamp.
  • The anhinga is an excellent swimmer, often seen with only its slender neck and head above the water.
  • Unlike many waterbirds, the anhinga's feathers are not waterproof, which is why it must spread its wings to dry after diving.

Advanced Usage

• "Anhinga anhinga": This is the scientific (binomial) name for the species, specifically the American Anhinga found in the southeastern United States and parts of Central and South America.
  • The field guide listed the bird we saw as Anhinga anhinga.

Variants and Related Words

• Darter (n): A common name for birds of the genus, referring to their hunting technique of spearing fish with their sharp bills.
• Snakebird (n): Another common name for the anhinga, derived from its long, snake-like neck when swimming.

Synonyms

• Darter
• Snakebird

Related Phrases

• To spear a fish: This describes the anhinga's primary hunting action.
  • The anhinga remained perfectly still before suddenly lunging forward to spear a fish.

Noun

1. fish-eating bird of warm inland waters having a long flexible neck and slender sharp-pointed bill