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The African darter, Anhinga rufa, is a striking waterbird known for its sinuous neck, which has earned it the nickname "snakebird." This species measures approximately 80 cm in length, with males displaying a glossy black plumage adorned with white streaking. Females and immature birds present a more subdued brown coloration.
Distinguishable from its relatives by a slender white stripe running down its neck set against a rufous backdrop, the African darter's pointed bill sets it apart from cormorants. Males are predominantly black with white streaks, while females and juveniles are browner.
The African darter frequents large bodies of water across sub-Saharan Africa, favoring environments where it can perch and dive with ease.
This bird is widespread and common throughout sub-Saharan Africa. A non-African subspecies, the Levant darter, was historically found in Turkey, Israel, and southern Iraq, but populations have faced significant declines due to habitat destruction and other environmental pressures.
