The Cormorant Family (Phalacrocoracidae)

Order: Pelicans and Allies (Pelecaniformes)

Cormorant (Great Cormorant)
Phalacrocorax carbo

This bird is specialised for swimming. It chases fish and eels through the water, catching them in its long hooked beak.

The Cormorant is black, with whiter sides and front. In the summer, it has white face patches. It flies with its long neck outstretched.

When it is swimming on the surface of the water, it raises its head so that its beak tilts upwards. It spends much of its time diving for fish.

Habitat

It is usually found on the coast, where there are plenty of fish. However, it is sometimes found on inland lakes.

Cormorants eat fish and eels.

The Cormorant makes its nest out of seaweed, or sticks and grass. The nest is built on rocky cliffs and islands or in trees. Many Cormorants build their nests in the same area.

Three to four light blue eggs are laid, each covered with a chalky layer.

It is a resident bird and can be found in Britain all year long.

The Cormorant is mostly silent, but occasionally makes a harsh croak.

91 cm (about the size of a goose).

The wings of the Cormorant are not protected by much oil, and so water can make them soaking wet. This helps them to swim underwater, because unlike waterproofed feathers, air bubbles are not trapped, and so the bird is not too buoyant.

After diving, Cormorants stand with outstretched wings to dry them in the sun and wind.