Anhinga

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The anhinga is often mistaken for a cormorant, as it sits with its wings held out to dry. However, cormorants have hooked bills, while the anhinga has a straight, pointed beak. Cormorants also have shorter tails and necks.

Is this Anhinga drying his wings or is he poised for flight?

Even though the anhinga is a water bird, it does not have the oil glands for waterproofing its feathers like most water birds. Without the waterproofing, it is better at diving and fishing underwater, but the downside of this situation is that the feathers do get wet. When wet, the anhinga does not fly very well. Therefore you will often see the anhinga spreading its wings to dry them.

The female has lighter coloring in the neck and chest than the male. The anhinga is also called a "water turkey" by some.

Anhinga have a flexible lower jaw for swallowing big fish.