A remarkable sight has emerged in Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province, as a flock of over 100 rare and endangered snakebirds, known as Anhinga, has been spotted at a local tourist site.

On July 23, Buu Long Tourist Area announced the unexpected appearance of this large flock, which has taken residence in a tree located in the middle of a lake within the tourist site.

The management board of Buu Long Tourist Area is collaborating with relevant authorities to ensure the protection of these birds. Measures are being put in place to allow visitors to view the snakebirds from a safe distance without causing any disturbance.

The flock includes both juvenile and adult snakebirds, which are frequently seen foraging in the lake and resting in the tall trees. Known for their long necks and sharp beaks, snakebirds hunt for fish underwater, with their bodies submerged and only their heads visible, giving them a serpent-like appearance.

Staff at Buu Long Tourist Area reported that snakebirds were first recorded in the area in 2019, with a population of up to 500. However, their numbers have since declined significantly.

Snakebirds belong to the Anhingidae family and were previously classified under the order Pelecaniformes. They are listed as Group 1B in Vietnam's Red Data Book, indicating that they are a rare species with a high risk of extinction.

Currently, the snakebirds are perched on treetops right in the middle of the lake at Buu Long Tourist Area.