Resting on branches, anhingas will spread their black and silver wings wide to
dry individual feathers in the sun. Unlike most other water birds, anhingas have
a small oil gland and, therefore, do not have the water repellent coating needed
to keep their feathers waterproof. When meal time comes, the anhinga will plunge
into the water swimming submerged until it is able to spear a fish with its sharp
bill. The anhinga resembles a snake when it swims with only its slender head and
neck out of the water, giving rise to the nickname, "snakebird"