Darters

Order: Pelecaniformes. Family: Anhingidae

Darters are normally referred to as "snake-birds" since of their long thin neck, which gives a snake-like form when they swim with their bodies submerged. The males have black and dark brown plumage, an erectile crest on the nape and a better bill than the female. The females have a much paler plumage mainly on the neck and underparts. The darters have totally webbed feet, and their legs are short and set far back on the body. Their plumage is somewhat permeable, like that of cormorants, and they broaden their wings to dry after headfirst. There are 4 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Bangladesh.