The Australasian Darter (Anhinga novaehollandiae) is also called the Australian Darter or Australian Shag. It is found in Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.

The Australasian Darter is slim with a long, thin neck and a long, yellow beak. It has glossy black feathers. The male has a white streak down the side of its head and neck, whereas the female has white underparts.

Australasian Darter

It can grow to 86–94 centimetres (34–37 inches) in length.

It prefers freshwater or brackish wetlands, where it forages for food in shallow water. It eats a wide variety of fish, as wel as shrimp, worms, and insects.

The Australasian Darter builds a nest of sticks, lined with reeds, leaves and rushes. The nest is often located in the branches of a partly submerged tree or tree overhanging water.

Females lay 3-5 elongated oval pale blue eggs.

Australasian Darter

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM