The Snake Bird is very singular indeed in appearance, and interesting as
well in its habits. Tropical and sub-tropical America, north to the
Carolinas and Southern Illinois, where it is a regular summer resident,
are its known haunts. Here it is recognized by different names, as Water
Turkey, Darter, and Snake Bird. The last mentioned seems to be the most
appropriate name for it, as the shape of its head and neck at once
suggest the serpent. In Florida it is called the Grecian Lady, at the
mouth of the Mississippi, Water Crow, and in Louisiana, Bec a Lancette.
It often swims with the body entirely under water, its head and long
neck in sight like some species of water snakes, and has no doubt more
than once left the impression on the mind of the superstitious sailor
that he has seen a veritable sea serpent, the fear of which lead him to
exaggerate the size of it.
This bird so strange in looks and action is common in summer in the
South Atlantic and Gulf States, frequenting the almost impenetrable
swamps, and is a constant resident of Florida.
As a diver the Snake Bird is the most wonderful of all the Ducks. Like
the Loon it can disappear instantly and noiselessly, swim a long
distance and reappear almost in an opposite direction to that in which
naturally it would be supposed to go. And the ease with which, when
alarmed, it will drop from its perch and leave scarcely a ripple on the
surface of the water, would appear incredible in so large a bird, were
it not a well known fact. It has also the curious habit of sinking like
a Grebe.
The nests of the Anhinga are located in various places, sometimes in low
bushes at a height from the ground of only a few feet, or in the upper
branches of high trees, but always over water. Though web footed, it is
strong enough to grasp tightly the perch on which it nests. This gives
it a great advantage over the common Duck which can nest only on the
ground. Sometimes Snake Birds breed in colonies with various species of
Herons. From three to five eggs, bluish, or dark greenish white, are
usually found in the nest.
Prof. F. C. Baker, secretary of the Chicago Academy of Sciences, to whom
we are indebted for the specimen presented here, captured this bird at
Micco, Brevard Co., Florida, in April, 1889. He says he found a peculiar
parasite in the brain of the Anhinga.
The Anhingas consist of but one species, which has a representative in
the warmer parts of each of the great divisions of the earth. The number
seen together varies from eight or ten to several hundred.
The hair-like feathers on the neck form a sort of loose mane.
When asleep the bird stands with its body almost erect. In rainy weather
it often spends the greater part of the day in an erect attitude, with
its neck and head stretched upward, remaining perfectly motionless, so
that the water may glide off its plumage. The fluted tail is very thick
and beautiful and serves as a propeller as well as a rudder in
swimming.