Darters on the Central Coast: The Sneaky Spearfishers of the Waterways
If you’ve ever walked past a lake or river on the Central Coast and spotted a long-necked bird with its wings spread wide, drying off in the sun – you might have seen a darter. These quiet, mysterious birds are expert fishers, and while they’re not as flashy as pelicans or as well-known as ducks, they’re a fascinating part of our local wildlife.
With their snake-like necks and underwater hunting skills, darters are sometimes called “snakebirds” – and once you see one, it’s easy to see why!
What is a darter?
The type we see here is the Australasian Darter. They have:
A long, skinny neck that looks a lot like a snake when they swim
A sharp, pointed beak for spearing fish
Dark feathers, sometimes with lighter streaks
Webbed feet for diving and swimming underwater
Darters are often mistaken for cormorants, but they have longer, thinner necks and a more “spear-like” beak. They’re excellent swimmers and can stay underwater for over a minute while chasing their prey.
Where can you see them?
Darters love freshwater and estuarine areas – anywhere calm and shallow where they can fish. Great places to spot them on the Central Coast include:
Brisbane Water – around Woy Woy, Gosford, and Point Clare
Tuggerah Lake – near Chittaway Bay and Long Jetty
Ourimbah Creek, Wyong River, and other quiet waterways
Wetlands and ponds in local parks and reserves
Look for a head and neck poking out of the water like a periscope – that’s a darter on the hunt! After fishing, they’ll often climb onto a rock, post, or tree branch to dry their wings, as their feathers aren’t fully waterproof (which helps them dive better).
What do they eat?
Darters are carnivores, and they mostly eat:
Fish – their favourite meal
Yabbies and crustaceans
Frogs and other small water animals
They spear their food with their sharp beak, then toss it in the air and catch it head-first to swallow. It’s fun to watch – if you’re patient enough!
Nesting and behaviour
Darters nest in trees or shrubs near water, often in colonies with other waterbirds like cormorants, herons, and egrets. Their nests are messy piles of sticks, and they usually lay 3–5 eggs.
They’re mostly quiet birds, but during nesting season, you might hear some soft grunting or croaking from the colony.
Helping darters thrive
Darters rely on clean, healthy waterways to survive. You can help protect them by:
Keeping rivers and lakes clean – pick up rubbish and avoid polluting drains
Not disturbing nesting areas – especially in trees near the water
Fishing responsibly – never leave behind hooks or tangled line. Parents use the discarded line to make their nests.
Watching from a distance – they’re shy and spook easily
Supporting Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast who care for waterbirds and protect breeding areas
Darters are one of the Central Coast’s quiet achievers – not loud or flashy, but incredible at what they do. So next time you’re by the water and spot a “snake neck” or a bird drying its wings, take a moment to appreciate this slick and stealthy local.