Large waterbirds with blackish colour
The anhinga (pato aguja; Anhinga anhinga) and its relative, the cormorant are large blackish water birds with long necks and short tails. Both are common in the Tortuguero, Palo Verde and Caño Negro areas but can be found in other lowland regions. Like the frigatebird, to which they are related, these birds do not have waterproof feathers, yet they are both good swimmers and divers and catch fish underwater. When their plumage becomes waterlogged, they climb into perches and stand with their wings stretched wide to dry in the sun - this is when they are commonly seen. Anhingas have longer necks and tails than Cormorants, and silvery streaks on their backs and wings. Female anhingas have a buff-colored head and neck. Anhingas are able to sink almost below the water's surface, leaving just the lengthy neck, slim head and long sharp bill above the water, giving them the descriptive nickname 'snake bird'.
Pictures by Angela and Jörn Malek. The team of 1-CostaRicaLink wishes you the best of times in our little paradise called Costa Rica.
Text by Lonely Planet. To buy the complete book
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