Often also called a "Snake bird" due to its appearance when swimming, where its long neck protrudes from the water and looks like a snake.

Australasian darter - Male Australasian darter (Anhinga novaehollandiae) - Photo by Alex Pawlow

Its body is often submerged when swimming by allowing water to soak between its feathers, hence reducing its buoyancy. This also allows it to dive easier in its search for food (primarily fish, shrimp and cephalapods).

The male has black plumage with a white streak on the side of its head and a yellow bill, the female has a white belly.