African Darter look-alikes
Anhinga rufa
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the African Darter. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Reed Cormorant
Microcarbo africanus
Key differences
Reed Cormorants are smaller, have a shorter, hooked bill, and lack the darter's distinctive long, snake-like neck and silver-grey streaking on the back. Cormorants swim higher in the water and do not spear fish.
White-breasted Cormorant
Phalacrocorax lucidus
Key differences
Larger than the Reed Cormorant, but still has a hooked bill and lacks the darter's neck and plumage pattern. White-breasted Cormorants have a prominent white breast and belly, which darters lack.
Oriental Darter
Anhinga melanogaster
Key differences
Historically considered conspecific, but now generally recognized as a separate species. The Oriental Darter has a more distinct black line separating the rufous neck from the white stripe, and typically a darker bill. Geographic range is the primary differentiator.
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