What does snakebird mean?
A snakebird is a waterbird with a long, slender neck, a pointed bill, and a body adapted for swimming and diving. The best-known example is the anhinga, which hunts fish by moving underwater with most of its body submerged and impaling prey on its sharp bill. Its extended neck gives the bird an unusually serpentine profile, especially when it rises from the water or holds its wings open to dry. Snakebirds belong to the family Anhingidae and are found in warm regions of the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australasia, although individual species have more limited distributions. The name is relatively uncommon in general English: anhinga and darter are also widely used, and the preferred name varies by region. In conservation and ornithological writing, snakebird can refer either to the group as a whole or specifically to the familiar anhinga.
nounAny of several long-necked waterbirds with slender necks and sharp bills, especially the anhinga. The name refers to the bird's long, sinuous neck.
- A member of the anhinga family of long-necked, fish-eating waterbirds, especially the anhinga.
"The snakebird disappeared beneath the surface and returned moments later with a small fish in its bill."
"A dark snakebird rested on a branch with its wings spread to dry."
"The wetland provides important habitat for the endangered snakebird."
Plural is used for multiple birds, different species, or birds collectively.
"Conservationists counted several snakebirds nesting in the reeds."
A snakebird can swim almost completely underwater, then spear a fish and surface with its hooked bill.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does snakebird come from?
The English word snakebird is a transparent compound of snake and bird, formed to describe the conspicuous long, snake-like neck of these waterbirds. Anhingas and related birds have long been called darter as well, a name based on their characteristic spear-like hunting behavior.
Related word forms
How snakebird is actually used
This is primarily an ornithological name and is uncommon in everyday English. Regional bird names vary: in some English-speaking regions, anhinga and darter are more familiar than snakebird.