The Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga), often called the snake bird, is one of Tobago’s most captivating wetland birds, a quiet symbol of the island’s thriving rivers, lagoons, and mangrove ecosystems.

For centuries, the Anhinga has flourished in Tobago’s freshwater wetlands, where clean waters and abundant fish create the perfect habitat. Unlike most water birds, its feathers are not fully waterproof, allowing it to dive effortlessly beneath the surface. After hunting, it emerges to perch and spread its wings wide in a dramatic and unmistakable pose that has become iconic in Caribbean wildlife photography.

Early naturalists documented the Anhinga in Tobago during 18th- and 19th-century Caribbean surveys, recognizing the island as an important refuge due to its intact wetlands and limited industrial impact. Even today, its presence signals healthy waterways and balanced ecosystems, making the Anhinga a living indicator of environmental well-being.

For birdwatchers, photographers, and nature-loving travellers, encountering an Anhinga in the wild is a reminder of what makes Tobago special, an island where nature still thrives, unfiltered and protected.