The family Anhingidae consists of large, fish-eating water birds commonly known as darters or snakebirds due to their long, slender necks that resemble a snake when swimming with their bodies submerged. These birds are found in warm, freshwater habitats across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Anhingids have sharp, pointed bills for spearing fish and primarily feed by diving underwater. Unlike many water birds, their feathers are less waterproof, which helps them dive more easily but requires them to spread their wings to dry after swimming. They are social birds, often seen perched together, and build large, stick nests in trees or shrubs near water.