Anhinga and Cormorant: Sarasota’s Unique Waterbirds

When kayaking around Siesta Key or exploring the calm shallows of Sarasota Bay, you may encounter what looks like a snake gliding effortlessly through the water. At first glance, this mysterious creature appears to have no body—only a long, slender neck weaving just above the surface. This mesmerizing sight isn’t a snake at all, but the Anhinga, one of Florida’s most fascinating and unusual waterbirds.

Often called the “snakebird”, the Anhinga earns its nickname from its swimming style. Unlike many waterbirds, the Anhinga’s feathers are not waterproof. While this might seem like a disadvantage at first, it’s actually what allows this bird to dive gracefully beneath the water – with almost no buoyancy. With its body fully submerged and only its neck visible, the Anhinga becomes a stealthy underwater hunter.

Using its sharp, pointed bill like a spear, it darts after fish, stabbing them with precision before surfacing to flip and swallow its catch whole.

The Anhinga thrives in Florida’s warm, shallow waterways, making Sarasota Bay, mangrove tunnels, and the inland lagoons around Siesta Key ideal habitats. Kayakers often see them perched on branches, docks, or channel markers with their wings spread wide. This iconic pose isn’t for show—it’s essential. Because the Anhinga’s feathers aren’t waterproof, they become soaked during hunting. Drying their wings in the sun helps them regain the lift needed for flight.

Their appearance is striking. Males have sleek black plumage with silver streaks along the wings, while females display a more brownish neck and chest. Their long tails act like rudders, aiding in their agile swimming. Quiet and graceful, the Anhinga is typically less vocal than other coastal birds, which adds to its mysterious presence.

Did You Know? The Anhinga has specialized eyes that allow it to see clearly underwater. Unlike many birds, its vision adjusts to refraction the way a fish’s does, giving it remarkable accuracy when spear-hunting its prey. This helps the Anhinga strike fish with incredible speed and precision. Combined with its low buoyancy and streamlined body, this visual advantage makes the Anhinga one of Florida’s most effective underwater hunters.

For nature lovers, spotting an Anhinga offers a glimpse into one of Florida’s most specialized species. Whether you see one drying its wings or slipping silently beneath the surface, the Anhinga puts on a captivating show for Sarasota-area paddlers.

Anhinga vs. Cormorant – Similarities and Differences

Although the Anhinga is distinct, it is often confused with another common Florida bird—the Double-crested Cormorant. Both species are expert divers, visible throughout Sarasota Bay and Siesta Key’s waterways. They frequently perch with wings spread wide to dry, and both swim low in the water while hunting. Their similar size and dark plumage also add to the confusion.

However, a few important differences make them easy to tell apart – once you know what to look for.

The Anhinga has a long, slender neck and a sharp, pointed bill used for spearing fish. Cormorants, in contrast, have thicker necks and a hooked bill designed for grabbing prey rather than stabbing it. When swimming, Anhingas often appear almost submerged, with only their neck visible, while cormorants ride higher on the water. In flight, cormorants flap steadily, whereas Anhingas soar more like hawks, using thermal currents. Cormorants also tend to gather in groups, while Anhingas are more solitary.

Despite these differences, both birds play important roles in Florida’s aquatic ecosystems and are a delight for kayakers and wildlife watchers alike.

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