Introduction: African darters (Anhinga rufa) prefer locations with dead trees, banks or rocks where they can rest after feeding. These habitats are consistent with still and slow-moving freshwater bodies with open water. As they usually sit low in the water with just their neck and head above the surface, the colloquial name 'snakebird' is often used.
Distribution: Widely distributed throughout Namibia especially Epupa Falls, Kunene River mouth, Rundu extending east along the Caprivi to Victoria Falls, Etosha National Park, central and southern regions as far south as the Fish River Canyon and the Orange River.
Diet: Eats fish such as tilapia, tigerfish, trout, frogs, usually washing face and wiping bill on back feathers after catching prey.
Description: Large cormorant-like bird. Rufa is Latin for 'ruddy' referring to chestnut back.
Breeding: Females usually lay 3 or 4 eggs on an untidy stick or dead reed platform, year-round. Incubation lasts for about 22 days. Chicks and eggs are occasionally eaten by the African harrier-hawk.
Size: 95cm.
Weight: 1.4kg.
Wingspan: 130cm.
Birds of Namibia Wildlife of Namibia
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