Anhinga

        Today's featured feathered friend is the Anhinga.  A member of the Darter family, it is commonly referred to as the "Snakebird".  This reference comes from their appearance while in the water.  They dive below the surface to fish and can remain submerged for long periods.  When they surface, only their very long neck is visible above the waterline.  A year-round Florida resident, Anhingas are also found in the other Gulf Coast states as well Georgia and the Carolinas.  They are abundant in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

        The Anhinga is a large water bird.  It measures about 35 inches in length, weighs between 2.5 to three pounds, with a wingspan of around 3.5 feet.  They have small heads with long sharply-pointed yellow bills, long slender necks and yellow webbed feet.  The male is glossy black with white tips on it's tail feathers.  The upper back of the body and wings are streaked with white.  The female is similar except her head, neck and upper chest are light brown.

        Unlike Ducks, Anhingas lack the ability to "waterproof" their feathers.  If it's feathers become waterlogged, the bird is less buoyant and can drown.  It will perch for long periods with it's wings spread, allowing the feathers to dry.  If they attempt to fly with wet wings, they have difficulty getting airborne.  In flight, Anhingas are graceful and are seen soaring on thermals at high elevations.  Enjoy these photos of the Anhinga.....tweet.....tweet!!

 

Anhinga (Male)
(Taken 3/29/13, Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland FL)

 

Anhinga (Female)
(Taken 5/29/13, The Rookery, Venice FL)

 

Anhinga (Female)
(Taken 9/19/12, Casa De Meadows Pond, Englewood FL)

 

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Anhinga/lifehistory

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anhinga

Green Heron

        Today's featured feathered friend is the Green Heron.  Unlike larger herons who hunt and feed in open areas, Green Herons tend to be at the edges, in shallow water or concealed in vegetation.  On many occasions we've walked past a Green Heron only to look back and find one perched motionless in dense mangroves.  They stare intently into the water, waiting patiently for their prey.  They will drop items into the water to attract fish, making them one of the world's few "tool-using" animals.

        Green Herons are small, stocky herons with short legs, large heads and long bills.  They have long, thick necks that are only seen when striking at food.   Usually the neck is retracted giving them a crouched appearance.  Males and females are similar with dark iridescent bluish green crowns and backs.  Their necks and breasts are reddish brown with white streaking.  Their feet are pale yellow, turning bright reddish orange during breeding.  They are 19 inches long with a 27 inch wingspan and weigh about eight ounces.

        Green Herons are year-round Florida residents.  In the summer they can be found anywhere in the U.S., east of the Rocky Mountains.  They are also common along the Pacific Coast and have been known to wander as far as  Hawaii.  Enjoy these photos of the resourceful Green Heron.....tweet.....tweet!! 

 

(Taken 1/2/13, Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt
Island National Wildlife Refuge, Titusville FL)

 

(Taken 1/14/13, The Rookery, Venice FL)

 

Green Heron ready to strike.
(Taken 1/1/13, The Celery Fields, Sarasota FL)

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/green_heron/id

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Heron

Purple Gallinule

        Today's featured feathered friend is the Purple Gallinule, a member of the Rail family.  Birds in this family have cone shaped bills and very large feet that allow them to walk on floating vegetation without sinking.     

        In bright lighting conditions the Purple Gallinules are stunning.  They have dark purple heads, necks and undersides, with greenish backs and very large yellow feet.  Their bills are red with a yellow tip.  They have light blue "frontal shields" on their foreheads, and bright white feathers under their tails.  Adults are about 13 inches in length, weigh around 9 ounces and have a 22 inch wingspan.  Adult males and females are similar in appearance with the male being slightly larger.  Juveniles are brownish overall with an olive green back.   

        Purple Gallinules can be found in the tropical regions of the Caribbean, Central and South America.  They also inhabit and breed in the swamps and marshes of the southeastern United States.  The south Florida population are year-round residents, but most American birds migrate to South America for the winter.

        On a recent trip to The Celery Fields in Sarasota, we got a nice video of a Purple Gallinule climbing on alligator flags (marsh vegetation), foraging for food.  Check out the video by clicking here ----> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qyew1-RTEbA .  Enjoy these photos of the colorful Purple Gallinule.....tweet.....tweet!!

 

(Taken 6/12/13, The Celery Fields, Sarasota FL)

 

Taken 9/5/13, The Celery Fields, Sarasota FL)

 

Purple Gallinule chicks (Taken 9/5/13, The Celery Fields, Sarasota FL)

 

(Taken 9/5/2013, The Celery Fields, Sarasota FL)

 

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Purple_Gallinule/id

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Purple_Gallinule