Water for the environment: wetlands

	Wetlands Facts about Wetlands Wetland Plants and Animals Birds   Search:  [ HOME ] [ CONTACT ]		The Birds of NSW Wetlands - Darter Order - Pelecaniformes The Darter References and Further Reading The Darter Anhinga melanogaster General Characteristics: Closely related to the Cormorants. The male is almost entirely glossy black in colour, with white stripes below the eye. Female is generally grey-brown with some brown and white flecks on breast and wings. Plumage is not waterproof. As an underwater hunter, the feathers are actually permeable to allow for decreased buoyancy. When out of the water, they remove water from their feathers, by squeezing their feathers through their bill and using oil from large preen glands situated at the base of the tail. You will often see the darter spreading it’s wings to dry them in the sun. They spend a lot of time preening their feathers. Necks are adapted to capture prey by snapping their necks forward and spearing it with their sharp beaks. It sinks to catch its prey. Often seen with only its head and neck above the water. Diet: Small fish, insects and other small aquatic animals. Habitat: Frequents freshwater and saline lakes, swamps and rivers, prefers sheltered areas. Distribution in NSW: Found throughout NSW. [ TOP ] References and Further Reading Readers Digest. 1988. Readers Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds. Reader’s Digest, Sydney. Van Tets, G. 1983. Pelican, Darter and Cormorants. Order: Pelicaniformes. In "Wetlands in New South Wales". (Ed C. Haigh). National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW.
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