Anhinga anhinga, commonly known as the Anhinga or American Darter, is native to the warm freshwater environments of the southeastern United States, extending southwards into Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and into South America as far as Argentina.

The Anhinga typically inhabits warm shallow waters in freshwater lakes, slow-moving rivers, marshes, swamps, and coastal lagoons. These regions generally feature calm or slow-flowing water that is conducive to the Anhinga's unique hunting methods.

Anhingas are piscivorous birds, which means their ecological niche largely involves hunting fish and other aquatic prey. Their habitats usually contain ample submerged vegetation or structures that provide perches for hunting. Their long necks and sharp bills are adapted for spearing fish, and they often swim with their bodies submerged and only their necks showing above water, earning them the nickname 'snakebird.'