Udawalawe Opatha Dam wetland bird colonies: cormorant and darter diving adaptations?
What skeletal diving adaptations and plumage waterproofing allow Little Cormorants and Darters to hunt freshwater fish below the Opatha Dam in Udawalawe?
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3 Answers from travellers
The riverine wetlands downstream of the Opatha Dam and Udawalawe reservoir host massive breeding colonies of waterbirds, notably Little Cormorants (Microcarbo niger) and Oriental Darters (Anhinga melanogaster). Unlike fully waterproof seabirds, cormorants and darters possess partially wettable plumage that reduces buoyancy, allowing them to submerge and chase fish effortlessly underwater. Following extended underwater foraging dives, they perch on dead river snags with wings fully spread wide in the sun to dry their feathers.
Darters possess long, dagger-like pointed bills used to spear fast-swimming tilapia and carp in deep river pools.
Birdwatchers visiting Opatha canal bridges can observe nesting colonies amidst lush riparian greenery.
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