Darter (Plotus), a genus of birds nearly allied to Cormorants (q.v.), but very heron-like in gait and gesture. The four species are severally restricted to the warm parts of America, Africa,
Asia, and Australia. The head is small, with naked cheeks and throat; the neck is very long, thin, and flexible; the bill is long and straight; the tail and the toes are also long. The darters catch fish voraciously and with great dexterity; the name 'snake-neck' well describes them.
Though aquatic in habit, they rest and nest on trees. The American species figured is over three feet in length.