Australasian Darter
Anhinga novaehollandiae

The Australasian Darter is part of the anhinga family and are related to cormorants and shags. Unlike cormorants, they spear through the fish they catch with their long, sharp bills (cormorant bills are serrated in order to grip the fish). The males are dark all over, while the females and juveiles are light cream underneath. As with cormorants, their feathers are not waterproof and they must dry them after getting wet. They are also known as Snakebirds as their bodies sit very low in the water, leaving only neck above which looks snake-like. Darters are larger than cormorants at 85-90 cm.
 

Australasian Darter male

Australasian Darter male

Australasian Darter male

Australasian Darter female

Australasian Darter female

1: Perth, WA, 02/12/2011.
2 and 4: Centennial Park, Sydney, 14/01/2011.
3: Circular Quay, Sydney, 28/02/2010.
5: Mason's Park, Concord West, NSW, 07/03/2010.