African Darter
Also known as the snakebird for it’s long neck, the feathers of the African darter do not contain any oil, unlike most waterbirds, and are therefore not waterproof. This makes the bird less positively buoyant and its diving capabilities better. However after diving for fish, its feathers can become waterlogged and to be able to fly and maintain heat insulation, it needs to dry them. Thus the African darter is often seen sitting with it’s wings spread to dry. Much like cormorants, which may share its habitat.
Found in sub-Saharan Africa and Iraq.
Scientific Name: Anhinga rufa
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Date photographed: August 2019
Location: Lake Baringo, Kenya
Info sources: https://ebird.org/species/darter3 and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_darter
