FAMILY NAME: Anhingidae SCIENTIFIC NAME: Anhinga melanogaster SUBSPECIES: none
SIZE: 85 to 90cm. (34 to 36") tip to tail.
LOCATION: Found over almost the entire continent of Australia, except in the very arid centre of Western Australia.
BREEDING: Breeding season varies depending on water and food availability. The male builds the nest and displays to attract a mate. Both the male and female incubate and feed their young.
GENERAL: They are found in estuaries and wetlands, and also in fresh water over about 1/2m deep and preferably with well vegetated banks. Only the head and neck are visible when swimming. Underwater they use their beak to spear the fish by bending then staightening their neck. The male is dark brown/black with white stripes on upper wings and a white cheek stripe and chestnut breast. The female is generally grey/brown above and light grey/white under.
References:
Michael Morecombe. Field Guide to Australian Birds, Complete Compact Edtion.
Ken Simpson - Nicholas Day. The Birds of Australia.
M. Blakers - S. J. J. F. Davies - P. N. Reilly. The Atlas of Australian Birds.
Birds in Backyards. www.birdsinbackyards.net
