Western darter (SciiFii)

The western darter (Anhinga californianus), also known as the western anhinga and the western snakebird, is a species of darter (Anhinga) of the family Anhingidae, most closely related to the anhinga (Anhinga anhinga), that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the tropical, subtropical, and temperate rainforests, wetlands, riverbanks, and ponds across the southern, southwestern, western, and central regions of North America to help boost biodiversity. The male western darter is mainly glossy black with white streaking, but females and immature birds are browner. The western darter differs in appearance from the closely-related American darter most recognisably by its thin white lateral neck stripe against a rufous background colour, making it strongly resemble the African darter. The pointed bill should prevent confusion with cormorants. It is an 80 centimeters (31 inches) long cormorant-like fish-eating species with a very long neck, like other anhingas. This species builds a stick nest in a tree and lays 3–6 eggs. It often nests with herons, egrets and cormorants. It often swims with only the neck above water, hence the common name snakebird. This, too, is a habit shared with the other anhingas. Unlike many other waterbirds, the feathers of the African darter do not contain any oil and are therefore not waterproof. Because of this, the bird is less positively buoyant and its diving capabilities are enhanced. After diving for fish, the feathers can become waterlogged. In order to be able to fly and maintain heat insulation, it needs to dry its feathers. Thus the western darter is often seen sitting along the waterside spreading its wings and drying its feathers in the wind and the sun along with cormorants which may share its habitat. The conservation status of the western darter is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the western darter's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities, including habitat disturbance.