The Western IslesBoard

Southern Snakebird
Categories: Keverai | Flora and Fauna

The Southern Snakebird (Anhinga Serpentis) is a species of darter bird that can be seen throughout the tropical and subtropical areas of The Western Isles, particularly in Keverai. The Snakebird typically frequents lakes and rivers, particularly those which are near oceans and as a result have relatively strong flows. They are not venomous but it is not recommended for humans to make contact to them. They are best known for their swimming posture which looks like a snake ready to strike - the origin of the common name of the bird.

Description and Identification
The Anhinga serpentis is a large bird and measures approximately 89 cm (35 in) in length, with a range of 75–95 cm (30–37 in), with a 1.14 m (3.7 ft) wingspan. They weigh on average around 1.22 kg (2.7 lb), with a range of 1.04–1.35 kg (2.3–3.0 lb). The bill is relatively long (about twice the length of the head), sharply pointed and yellow as are the webbed feet. Most of the southern snakebird's body is a glossy black green with the wings, base of wings, and tail being a glossy black blue. The tip of the tail has white feathers. The back of the head and the neck have elongated feathers that have been described as gray or light purple-white. The upper back of the body and wings is spotted or streaked with white.

The female southern snakebird is similar to the male except that it has a pale gray-buff or light brown head, neck, and upper chest. The lower chest or breast is a chestnut color and as compared to the male, the female has a more brown back. The hatchling starts out bald but gains tan down within a few days of hatching. Within two weeks the tan down has been replaced by white down. Three weeks after hatching, the first juvenile feathers appear. Juveniles are mostly brown until first breeding after the second or third winter.

Distribution and Habitat
Whilst there major habitats are in tropical regions, they can be found all over the Isles in warm shallow waters. Particularly of note, these birds live in lakes and near rivers with high flows. Only birds that live in the extreme north and south of the birds' range migrate and do so due to variance in temperature and available sunset. Those who do migrate will migrate towards the most tropical regions of The Western Isles but this is can very depending on how much sunshine the birds can find before they reach the equator. Kettles of southern snakebirds often migrate with other birds and have been described as resembling black paper gliders.

Behaviour
In order to dive and search for underwater prey, including fish and amphibians, the southern snakebird does not have waterproof feathers, (unlike ducks, which coat their feathers with oil from their uropygial gland). Since the southern snakebird is barely buoyant, it can stay below the surface more easily and for longer periods of time. If it attempts to fly while its wings are wet, the southern snakebird has difficulty, flapping vigorously while "running" on the water. The southern snakebird will stand with wings spread and feathers fanned open in a semicircular shape. Southern snakebirds will often search for food in small groups.

Feeding
Like other darters, the Southern Snakebird hunts by spearing fishes and other small prey in the habitat's ecosystem by using its sharp and slender beak. It has also been recorded that they feed on amphibians.

Human Interaction
Since the Southern Snakebird lives in areas frequented by humans in nations such as Keverai, they can become particularly aggressive towards humans but are unlikely to be dangerous. This aggression is more centred around the Snakebird seeking to obtain food such as battered fish, which is often thrown towards these birds by humans for a variety of reasons. In response to this, many governments have sought to prevent people from feeding the birds yet these campaigns have had varied levels of success.