About Anhinga novaehollandiae (Gould, 1847)
The Australasian darter, scientifically named Anhinga novaehollandiae (Gould, 1847), is a slim bird. It measures 86–94 cm (34–37 in) in total length, and has a slender, snakelike neck. Males have entirely black plumage with a white streak running down the side of the head and neck, while females have white underparts. The species' typical habitat is freshwater or brackish wetlands that are more than 0.5 m deep, with fallen trees or logs and vegetated banks. Less commonly, Australasian darters can be found in inland saltwater environments. The Australasian darter occurs in the lowlands of New Guinea, New Britain, the Moluccas, and the Lesser Sunda Islands. It is found across most of Australia, but does not occur in the Great Sandy Desert, Great Victoria Desert, or Nullarbor Plain. It is an uncommon vagrant species in Tasmania.
