Anhinga & Double-crested Cormorants

Anhinga stealthily swims through the water with only a snakelike head poking above the surface. Swimming underwater, they stab fish with its dagger-like bill. With an intense ritual of killing and manipulating the fish, Anhinga swallow its prey whole as it stretches it slender neck to epic proportions. After its fishing expedition, it strikes a regal pose on the edge of shallow lakes and ponds, with its silvery wings outstretched and head held high to dry. The gangly Double-crested Cormorant is a prehistoric-looking, matte-black fishing bird with yellow-orange facial skin. As with Anhinga, Cormorants often stand in the sun with their wings spread out to dry. They also have less preen oil than other birds so their feathers can get soaked to decrease buoyancy. Wet feathers make it easier for Cormorants and Anhinga to hunt underwater with agility and speed. Cormorants also stretch their necks to enormous proportions to accommodate their very large catch. (The Cornell Lab of Ornithology)