darter
1 of 1nounan aquatic bird with a long neck, slender body, and sharp bill, known for diving swiftly to catch fish
A darter, also known as a snakebird or anhinga, is an aquatic bird renowned for its remarkable fishing abilities. Darters possess sleek and slender bodies with long, flexible necks that allow them to swiftly navigate through water. One of their distinctive features is their sharply pointed bill, perfectly adapted for spearing fish underwater. Darters are exceptional divers, employing a unique hunting technique. They swim stealthily beneath the water's surface, using their wings to propel themselves forward while their long neck remains poised above the water. When they locate their prey, darters rapidly extend their necks and thrust their bills forward to snatch fish with impressive accuracy. After capturing their meal, darters resurface, often tossing the fish into the air and expertly maneuvering it to swallow headfirst.
- The darter pierced the water with its bill to snatch a fish.
- Darters are often seen gliding just beneath the surface of lakes and rivers.
- The darter dried its wings on a sunlit branch after a dive.
- With its snake-like neck, the darter is sometimes called the "snakebird."
- The wetlands are home to several species of darters.
a small freshwater fish native to North America, known for its quick movements
- The stream was teeming with darters flitting between rocks.
- Biologists studied the habitat preferences of several darter species.
- The rainbow darter is prized for its vibrant coloration.
- Darters rely on their agility to escape predators in shallow waters.
- Conservation efforts aim to protect endangered darter populations.