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DarterAlternative names: "Snake-necked Darter", "Diver", "Snake-bird", "Shag" Aboriginal names: "koorowera", "marbangye" |
Sightings
In the region of Narrabri, NSW, we spotted a Darter near our former neighbour's billabong in 2005, 20 km south of town. The next sighting was of a female in November 2006, near Boggabri, New South Wales. Also seen in August 2007 in various locations in and around Narrabri. Spotted again in Narrabri in February 2008 and March 2009.
In addition, we have seen darters in various places around Australia. Once on the Yellow River, Northern Territory, and later also on the west coast, on the Greenough river near Geraldton.
Also seen by us in many different locations of central QLD, especially in coastal areas, in July 2009.
Photos
Male Darter on a tree trunk (click on image for larger version)
Male Darter checking out the surroundings (click on image for larger version)
Here the same bird as above spreading its wings... (click on image for larger version)
... for drying (click on image for larger version)
Male Darter in flight
Female Darter in Narrabri Creek (click on image for larger version)
On a separate page we have lined up a series of shots of a Darter turning around and swallowing a fish spiked on its bill.
Habits
Darters spike their prey, rather than grabbing it like herons or egrets. They then thrust the prey upward and maneuvre it into the slender bill by turning it.