The Oriental Darter is a water bird. It has a long and slender neck with a straight, pointed bill. It spears a fish underwater, bringing it above the surface, tossing and juggling it before swallowing the fish head first. The slender neck alone is visible above the water, which accounts for the colloquial name of Snakebird. It has wettable feathers and it is often found perched on a rock or branch with its wings held open to dry.