Bird Description

Fairly common locally in wet areas, fresh and salt water with trees, i.e. swamps, mangroves, and canals. Like cormorants, often colonial with other species (usually cormorants and herons). Wanders out of range. Often sits in the open, usually in trees, sunning itself to get dry. ID: Aptly known as 'snakebird' given its neck shape. Swims with only head and neck above water. Pointed bill for spearing fish. Often seen in flight and frequently soars high in the sky. Appears as a flying cross; long, thick tail appears to propel a bird that can look almost neckless at distance. Striking; if in doubt it is probably a cormorant. Young (1st-year) as adult female with browner body and smaller dull coverts and scapulars. 2nd-year birds are more adult-like but retain some signs of immaturity. Adult shows striking off-white scapulars and coverts. Male black-necked, tan in female. Breeding birds get brighter bare parts and head plumes.