With over 1000 bird species in Uganda, Darters are among impressive birds that can be spotted on the Uganda birding safari. It’s commonly referred to as a snakebird, due to the long thin neck which looks like a snake. When they swim, their bodies submerge and the neck is left on top hence resembling the snake.
In Uganda, there is only one species – African Darters (Anhinga rufa) which is mostly spotted in waterlogged areas of Uganda and the males are differentiated from females by plumage. The males are normally black and dark brown, with larger bills whereas females have a paler plumage compared to the males, mostly on their under parts and the neck. Their bills are smaller than that of male. Their feet are webbed completely and this makes them swim easily and keep afloat. Their feathers are not waterproof and this makes the darters move smoothly in water. The feathers dry faster as they are spread to dry after the swim.
African darters are water birds and they weigh approximately 1 to 1.3kg with a wingspan of 115cm to 128cm. They can be found near freshwater bodies with some vegetation around. They are common on shallow lakes and rivers that are mostly located in mangrove forests, swamps, reeds among others. They can be spotted around shores of Lake Victoria, Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mabamba wetlands, among other places.
Diet.
African Darters mainly feed on fish, which is normally found around their habitats. It is very fast while hunting for its prey; it dives in the water and spear fish with its beak, throws it in the air and re-catches it with its beak and then swallows it. It is a solitary eater and can eat all invertebrates, like insects, snails, and snakes among others.
African darters are silent birds but while nesting, it makes a croaking sound, which is normally harsh and jarring as you may not think. It has weird behavior, in terms of diving and they can spend a lot of time under the water, to help them make a surprise attack on their prey such as fish. They are normally found on open perches of water and considered threatened species.
Breeding.
Daters’ breeding period / season is determined by rainfall patterns but of course, it can occur any day of the year. Interestingly, they are polygamous where they stick to one partner for breeding and later they change to another. Females are responsible for building nests using sticks, grass and dry leaves. About 3 eggs can be laid and incubation can take 25 to 30 days where both parents take part in the incubation process. After hatching, the chicks are taken care of by both parents, to provide food and protection.
A darter can live for up to 16 years but they are also threatened by crocodiles, other birds of prey like raptors and eagles and humans in form of habitat encroachment, pollution, agriculture and others. Their eggs can be food for predators like crocodiles. This has reduced the population of African darters, hence listed among the threatened birds of Uganda.
The daters live, feed in groups normally consisting of 10 to 50 individuals or more but males are more than females in any given group.
On your Uganda birding safari, never forget to search for African darters to complete your birding safari and our team of bird guides are willing and waiting to take you for the memorable safari in Uganda.
