Description
The Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster) is a distinctive waterbird found around wetlands, lakes, rivers and other freshwater habitats across India. This original wildlife photograph captures an Oriental Darter in flight, showing its elongated neck, streamlined body and broad wings.
The photograph was captured in the wild by wildlife photographer Amarjeetsinh Jhala and is part of the Focused Nature By AJ collection of original Indian bird and wildlife photography.
About the Oriental Darter
The Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster) is a waterbird belonging to the family Anhingidae. It is sometimes referred to as the Indian Darter or Snakebird because of its long, slender neck, which can resemble a snake when the bird is swimming with only its neck and head above the water.
The species is strongly associated with wetland habitats and can be found around lakes, ponds, rivers, reservoirs and other suitable freshwater environments.
The Oriental Darter is an excellent swimmer and frequently enters the water to hunt fish and other aquatic prey.
Oriental Darter in Flight
When flying, the Oriental Darter displays its long neck, elongated body and broad wings. Its flight silhouette is distinctive and can help birdwatchers identify the species in wetland environments.
Capturing a bird in flight requires careful timing, accurate autofocus and appropriate shutter speed. This photograph freezes a moment of the Oriental Darter’s flight and documents the characteristic shape of this fascinating Indian waterbird.
Oriental Darter in India
The Oriental Darter is a resident species in India and is strongly associated with wetland habitats. The State of India’s Birds 2025 assessment identifies wetlands as the species’ habitat specialization and classifies its national conservation priority as Low. Its global Red List category is Least Concern.
The species has a very large distribution range in India and can be encountered in suitable wetland environments across many parts of the country.
Identification Features
The Oriental Darter can be recognized by several characteristic features:
- Long, slender neck
- Elongated body
- Long, pointed bill
- Broad wings
- Long tail
- Dark body plumage
- Distinctive pale markings on the neck and upper body
- Strong association with freshwater wetlands
Its unusual long neck and swimming behaviour are responsible for the common name “Snakebird.”
Habitat and Behaviour
Oriental Darters are closely associated with freshwater wetlands and spend considerable time in and around water.
They are skilled aquatic hunters and primarily feed on fish and other aquatic animals. Their long neck and sharp bill are adapted for catching prey underwater.
After swimming or diving, darters are often seen sitting with their wings spread, allowing their feathers to dry.
Photography Details
Common Name: Oriental Darter
Scientific Name: Anhinga melanogaster
Subject: Oriental Darter in Flight
Family: Anhingidae
Bird Type: Waterbird
Habitat: Wetlands / Freshwater
Status in India: Resident
Country: India
Photographer: Amarjeetsinh Jhala
About This Photograph
This is an original wildlife photograph captured in the wild by wildlife photographer Amarjeetsinh Jhala.
The photograph is part of the Focused Nature By AJ collection documenting India’s birds, wetland wildlife and natural landscapes.
This Oriental Darter photograph can be used for bird identification resources, educational projects, wildlife articles, nature websites, editorial content, conservation-related material and approved commercial applications according to the selected license.
Image Licensing
Personal Use
Suitable for personal collections, wallpapers and other non-commercial personal projects.
Commercial Use
Suitable for websites, digital marketing, advertising, social media, business presentations and other approved commercial applications.
Printing & Publication
Suitable for magazines, books, newspapers, calendars, educational publications, exhibitions and other approved editorial and printing uses.
Explore More Indian Wetland Bird Photography
Explore more original Oriental Darter photographs, wetland bird photography, Indian bird photography, waterbird photography and wildlife photographs captured by Amarjeetsinh Jhala.
Focused Nature By AJ documents birds and wildlife in their natural habitats, with selected original photographs available for personal, commercial and printing & publication licensing.
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