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".