The Darter bird is a study in what is and is not a flying bird versus a land bird versus a seabird. The Darter (in the Pelecaniformes order) has a graceful wing extension of black color wings which dramatically contrasts with the white feathered body. Females are less vivid. Darter birds live wherever surface water can be found, like bays, wetlands, swamps, marshes and tropical lagoons.

The short legged, web footed Darter has the air of a Pelican and also the presence of a Crane. The short feet allow the perching Darter to rest on land or trees, with balance capability that covers a large wingspan and much taller body than many birds of this order. The webbed feet also allow for underwater creeping up on prey. Darter spear fish on sharp long bills, and the Darter eyes are set in the beaks for efficient natural scuba hunting.

The Darter is also called a Snakebird. This name comes from the side to side actions when swimming and swooping under water for marine life and other prey. The wide wings with feathered web feet help the Darter stay aloft on the surface of the water while scanning for targets. The darter call is a hiss or a rattling cry more typical of a Parrot.

Darters come from Africa and Australia and other remote oceanic islands. They do not live in Europe but may be found in most tropical and subtropical water side regions. Darters are produced by co-parented nests made by pair bonded monogamous darter mates. A nine year life span evolves from nests made from twigs, bark and natural material the darter assembles near the water.

Darters might still be found in the wild, in tropical rainforests, in canopy and other types of savannah, and tropical bird sanctuaries. River scrub, ecologically balanced fish populations, and lack of deforestation aid the continued Darter existence. Some Darters have been reduced to near endangered status or worse.

White the main black and white colors prevail, touches of green, brown, and silver can also become part of female and mature darter feather colorations. Gray spots and other accents may come to geographic variations of the darter bird. Gular sac and other mating colorations may produce turquoise, yellow or pink accents.

Some of the more well-known Darters in bird watching circles include the Oriental Darter, African Darter, Australian Darter, and Eastern Sand Darter.

Please visit Tropical Birds for information about tropical birds.

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