Interesting Facts about the African Darter (Anhinga rufa):

The African Darter (Anhinga rufa) is a water bird found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, mostly around large water bodies. It is a member of the darter family, Anhingidae. And is closely related to the American, Oriental and Australian darters. Here are some very interesting facts about the African Darter:

1. The African Darter also sometimes known as the snake bird because it swims similar to the way a snake slithers. It is also easy to identify; thanks to its very long neck and a unique swimming style. While swimming the bird’s entire body is very low in the water, with only the head sticking out, giving it the appearance of a swimming snake. This is a habit it shares with other anhingas.

2. Differences between sexes: Males are glossy black with a white streak. On the other hand, females and immature are browner in color but with less noticeable white streaks. Shared characteristics include gold colored eyes and brown bills. Although related to the American darter, the African darter differs in appearance. The most striking difference is its white lateral neck stripe against a rufous background color.

3. Being a water bird means that it is typically found in tropical wetlands close to large water bodies. It is fond of shallow lakes, slow flowing rivers or still waters that are close to mangroves, reeds or trees. Other preferred habitats include swamps, lagoons and reservoirs.
4. Unlike most birds, the feathers of the African Darter are not waterproof. This makes the bird less buoyant but gives it enhanced diving skills. So after diving for fish, the feathers become waterlogged (the feathers do not have any oil and so are not waterproof). The bird must therefore first dry out its feathers before it can fly again. Thus the African Darter is frequently sitting along the waterside; habitually spreading its wings and drying its feathers in the wind and sun.

5. What do African Darters feed on? Diet consists mainly of fish, which is mostly available in its water habitat. However, this bird also feeds on amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates. When hunting for fish, it will dive, impale the fish with its beak, and come back to the surface. It then throws the fish into the air and swallows it whole; head first. It must also be noted the African darter is a solitary feeder.

6. Although African Darters are solitary feeders, they typically live in large groups or colonies – between 10 – 50 or more birds at a time. They are highly territorial and interactions between males are common.
7. Breeding is seasonal, but birds can mate any time during the year. The bird builds its nest with sticks and reeds and lines it with fine materials. It often nests in colonies: with cormorants, herons and egrets. The nesting platforms are in trees, bushes, reeds or on islands near the water. Clutch size is 3-6 eggs.
8. African darters are able to retract and extend their necks. In flight, the neck remains retracted, unlike most other long necked birds.

The African Darters are endemic to sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, they are not an endangered species as population is widespread and numerous especially in southern Africa. However, in some places, populations are patchy – mainly because of habitat destruction through environmental degradation.

In Uganda, the African darter can be spotted in Mabamba Swamp, Lake Victoria shores, Kazinga channel and many other water bodies in the country.