GREAT CORMORANT
Phalacrocorax carbo
DESCRIPTION
The Great Cormorant is a large waterbird characterized by its long neck, hooked bill, and webbed feet. It has a predominantly black plumage with a distinctive white patch on the throat and a striking greenish sheen on its feathers. Known for its excellent diving abilities, this species often hunts for fish underwater, using its keen eyesight to locate prey.
FUN FACTS
- Great Cormorants are known for their impressive diving skills, capable of reaching depths of up to 45 meters while hunting for fish
- They can hold their breath for several minutes, allowing them to pursue prey effectively underwater
- | These birds have a unique method of drying their wings after diving; they often perch with their wings spread wide to allow the sun and wind to dry their feathers, which is essential for maintaining their buoyancy while swimming
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-15 years in the wild, up to 25 in captivity
Average Weight2-5 kg
Average Length70-100 cm
Diet TypePiscivore
Social Structuregroup — they often nest and roost in colonies.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (March-June)
- Habitat
- Great Cormorants are typically found in coastal areas, lakes, and rivers where they can access open water for fishing. They often nest in trees or on cliffs near water bodies.
- Biomes
- Wetlands, Coastal, Freshwater
- Native Range
- The species is native to a wide range across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa.
- Continent
- Europe, Asia, Africa
- Countries
- United Kingdom, France, Germany, India, China, South Africa
- Diet
- The Great Cormorant primarily feeds on fish, which it catches by diving underwater. It may also consume crustaceans and amphibians on occasion.
- Diet Type
- Piscivore
- Favorite Food
- fish
- Social Structure
- group — they often nest and roost in colonies.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 10-100
- Territorial
- 1
LC
LC
2-5 kg
Weight
70-100 cm
Length
- Coloration
- black with a white throat patch and greenish sheen
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are generally larger than females
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in the wild, up to 25 in captivity
- Offspring per Birth
- 3-5
- Sexual Maturity
- 2-3 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring (March-June)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of Great Cormorants is generally stable, with some local increases noted.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 1,000,000-2,000,000
- Population Trend
- Increasing
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction, pollution, and competition with fisheries. In some regions, they are also hunted due to perceived competition with fish stocks.
- Predators
- eagles, large gulls, and foxes may prey on eggs and chicks; adult cormorants have few natural predators.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They often rely on their size and social behavior to deter predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Common