Oriental Darter

Oriental Darter Latest News

Recently, it was seen that Oriental Darters (Anhinga melanogaster) are getting affected by garbage dumping in Bengaluru’s lake. 

About Oriental Darter

• It is also known as the snakebird or Indian darter.
• Appearance: It is a tropical water bird with a long, slender neck and a sharp, spear-like beak that it uses to impale fish.
• It has a very long, slender, snakelike neck and a long, pointed bill.
• Its neck has strongly developed muscles about a kink in the neck at the 8th and 9th vertebrae that allows it to be flexed and darted forward with rapid force to stab fish underwater.
• Distribution: It is a water bird of tropical South Asia and Southeast Asia.
• Habitat: It is found mainly in freshwater lakes and streams.
• They usually forage singly, with the entire body submerged. It darts its neck to impale fish and then brings them out of water.
• Diet: It is an omnivorous species.
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN Red List: Near Threatened

Source: TH

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