Also known as the “snake bird,” it is known to swim with only its long neck and head above the water, giving it the appearance of a serpent. It is a large waterbird found in fresh and brackish water bodies of North America’s coasts, including southwest USA and Mexico. They are also found in Central and South America.
The most notable feature of this bird is its unique hunting strategy. It targets slow-moving fish and employs its long and sharp bill to jab and catches the fish rapidly. It subsequently flips the prey above water and swallows it head-first. They can often be seen spreading their wings out in the sun. They do so to dry their wings, as they lack the oil gland that waterproofs feathers.
They perform elaborate courtship displays during the breeding season and form pair bonds that last for years. Both parents look after the clutch of 2-5 eggs.
Distribution
Antigua & Barbuda
Argentina
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Bolivia
Brazil
Canada
Cayman Islands
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cuba
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
French Guiana
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guatemala
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Jamaica
Martinique
Mexico
Montserrat
Nicaragua
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent
St. Kitts & Nevis
Suriname
Trinidad & Tobago
Turks & Caicos
United States
Uruguay
VenezuelaAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
