Maine: Locals Spot Elusive Bird Known as the “Snake Bird”

This unique observation launched a debate on the bird, in particular the changes in its lifestyle, its migration, its diet.

Article originally published in August 2024

A first sighting of anhinga in Maine in the United States

For the first time in the state of Maine in the United States, an anhinga was seen by an ornithologist. This bird, also known as the “devil bird” (devil bird in English) or “snake bird”, due to its elongated zigzag neck, was seen during the last week of July 2024, on top of a log in a meadow near Somerville an hour north from Portland.

This city has attracted the attention of bird lovers since Tabatha Holt, a resident, shared a photo of the unusual animal near a beaver pond on social networks.

This sharing then launched a debate to determine whether the bird was indeed an anhinga or simply a cormorant, a species more common in the region. Speculation has therefore pushed several experts to take a closer look at this rare bird.

Scientific experts have confirmed his identity

Doug Hitchcox, a naturalist at Maine Audubon, confirmed that the bird was indeed an anhinga, thanks to its unique characteristics, in fact it has a pointed beak, a long snake-shaped neck, and a long tail. He then added “this is the first anhinga recorded in Maine”. According to him, for the moment nothing has been confirmed but other observations can be expected.

Like many residents, Hitchcox discovered the post on social media, so he rushed to respond. And even put aside his work to travel and observe the bird. This allowed around 80 bird watchers to take advantage of this rare opportunity to admire the bird. Finally he added “it was a truly rare bird for Maine, and certainly for all of New England” he reported to the Boston media.

The anhinga's habitat change

The presence of an anhinga also in the north is a remarkable event. Usually, anhingas only live in warm regions of Florida, the Gulf States and Central America, or in Brazil. The fact that an anhinga has been seen in Maine implies a change in their way of life and their environment. They now live in Maryland, where they now nest, and this is the northernmost point known for these birds, an evolution of their habitat.

These new habits could be linked to climate change, one of the main causes of changes in bird habitats, with some looking for cooler temperatures. They may also be in search of food, which would also have been impacted by these climate changes.

The anhinga, a bird with an unusual physique

Its nickname is “the snake bird”, and this comes from its hunting technique. Indeed, when it looks for food, it plunges its head underwater, only its long twisted neck appears, like a snake. This technique allows him to surprise the fish.

Unlike many other waterfowl, the anhinga does not secrete oil to waterproof its feathers, according to the Birds website. Its feathers absorb water, so it goes deeper and can swim particularly well. After that, he takes the “Dracula pose” to dry his wings. He hangs them out to dry in the sun.

Characteristics of the species: the anhinga

The anhinga of its scientific name, Anhinga anhingais part of the Anhingidae family. It is therefore an aquatic bird which lives mainly in marshy and humid areas of the southern United States and tropical regions. It does not exceed 90 cm in length with a wingspan of up to 120 cm, and is recognizable thanks to its black plumage and its silver reflections on the wings according to the OFB scientific website.

As stated earlier, it mainly feeds on fish it catches. And although it is often confused with the cormorant, its technique of drying its wings remains unique, giving it this almost demonic appearance and which recalls its nickname “devil's bird”.

Finally, this observation will allow professional and amateur ornithologists to study it more deeply and understand the transformations in its way of life, particularly its change in environment.

Sources : OFB, Avibase, BOSTON.com, Oiseaux.net

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