The Probert Encyclopaedia of Nature

DARTERS

The Darters or Snake-bird (Plotus) is a genus of web-footed birds of the pelican tribe closely related to the cormorant, but differing in its much longer neck and heron-like pointed bill. Darters are found in South America, Africa, tropical Asia and Australia, fishing in rivers and ponds after the manner of cormorants, but nesting in trees. The birds perch on trees by the sides of lakes, lagoons, and rivers, and after hovering over the water suddenly dart at their prey with unerring aim (hence the name). From the serpent-like form of their head and neck, the head being scarcely thicker than the neck, they are called snake-birds.
Research Darters