Anhinga – Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge, Río Frío, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica

The anhinga, sometimes called snakebird, darter, American darter, or water turkey, is a water bird of the warmer parts of the Americas. The word anhinga comes from the Brazilian Tupi language and means devil bird or snake bird. When swimming the origin of the name snakebird is apparent: only the colored neck appears above water so the bird looks like a snake ready to strike. They do not have external nostrils and breathe solely through their epiglottis.

The anhinga is a large bird and measures approximately 89 cm (35 in) in length, with a 1.14 m (3.7 ft) wingspan. It dives and searches for underwater prey, including fish and amphibians. Unlike ducks, which coat their feathers with oil from their uropygial gland, the anhinga does not have waterproof feathers. Because the anhinga is thus barely buoyant, it can stay below the surface more easily and for longer periods of time. However, if it attempts to fly while its wings are still wet, the anhinga has difficulty, flapping vigorously while "running" on the water. As do cormorants when drying their feathers, the anhinga will stand with wings spread and feathers fanned open in a semicircular shape, resembling a male meleagrine, which led to the anhinga being referred to colloquially as the "water turkey." Anhingas will often search for food in small groups.