The Australasian darter or Australian darter is a species of bird in the darter family, Anhingidae. It is found in Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. It weighs around 2.6 kg and spans 86–94 cm (34–37 in) in length.
Region
Australasia and Wallacea
Typical Environment
Found across much of Australia (excluding the most arid interior) and in New Guinea and parts of eastern Indonesia. It uses freshwater and brackish wetlands, including lakes, billabongs, slow rivers, reservoirs, and mangrove-lined estuaries. Birds favor sites with ample perches such as dead snags or overhanging branches. They often share roosts and colonies with cormorants. Local movements track water availability after rains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Australian darter, it is a sleek, snake-necked waterbird that often perches with wings spread to dry after diving. It hunts by spearing fish underwater with its sharp, dagger-like bill and then flips prey to swallow it headfirst. Frequently roosts and nests alongside cormorants in trees over water. Its silhouette with a long neck and tail can resemble a ‘snake’ when swimming with body submerged.
Temperament
generally solitary to loosely gregarious
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats, often interspersed with short glides
Social Behavior
Often perches communally and may nest in loose colonies with cormorants in trees over water. Builds a platform of sticks; both parents incubate and feed the young. Typically monogamous within a breeding season, with timing linked to local water conditions. Roosting and drying wings are common social activities at shared sites.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Lacks a musical song; vocalizations are harsh grunts, croaks, and clacking notes, especially at colonies. Calls intensify during courtship and when defending the nest. Generally quiet when foraging alone.
Plumage
Males are predominantly glossy black with bronze-sheened wings and fine silvery streaks on the back; females are browner with a buffy neck and breast. Both sexes have a very long, slender neck and a long, wedge-shaped tail. Feathers can appear shaggy when wet, and birds often spread wings to dry, highlighting pale streaking on the upperparts.
Diet
Primarily fish, taken underwater by pursuit and spearing with the bill. Also consumes aquatic invertebrates such as crustaceans and occasionally amphibians. Prey is brought to the surface, tossed, and swallowed headfirst. Uses sharp bill and rapid neck thrusts to capture slippery prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in calm or slow-moving freshwater and brackish habitats with clear or moderately turbid water. Often hunts along vegetated edges, submerged logs, and open pockets among reeds or mangroves. Requires nearby perches for drying and digesting.
