Australasian Darter
Male adult, Centenary Lakes, June 2020.
These birds are often referred to as snake birds because they swim in the water with their bodies submerged and their heads protruding from the water like a snake.
Hasties Swamp, June 2021.
Females have a greyer head and neck and the underparts are creamy white.
Female or juvenile, Wurruma Swamp, June 2020.
Juveniles look similar to the female but have a more grey appearance.
Centenary Lakes, June 2020.
They are often seen drying their wings after a hunting session in the water.
Tablelands Swamp, July 2020.
These birds can breed all year round and when in breeding plumage the colour on the males neck is redder.
Centenary Lakes, June 2020.
I am not sure if missing one eye or me being too close has upset this bird. These birds make a harsh rattling and crackling sound.
Hasties Swamp, June 2021.
The large wings allow these birds to fly easily on thermals. In flight at lower heights it makes rapid shallow wing beats followed by glides as shown above.
Centenary Lakes, February 2020.