Cormorant

Scientific name:

Phalacrocorax carbo

Status:

Resident, common

Voice:

Guttural croaks at nest and roost; otherwise silent

Length:

80-100 cm

Wingspan:

130-160 cm

Habitat:

Breeds colonially, mainly around coasts in western Europe but on inland lakes elsewhere; overwinters mainly around sheltered coasts but also on inland winters.

Behaviour:

Often seen swimming and diving, or perched on posts with wings outstretched.

Physical appearance:

Large, robust waterbird. Adult looks dark at a distance; at close range, has scaly appearance due to oily greenish-brown feathers on upperparts having dark margins. It has two races, “Carbo” from northwest Europe has yellow base to bill and white throat. Race “Sinensis” has white throat but also shows white feathering on nape sides of head. Both races have white thigh patches in breeding season. Much of white feathering is lost outside summer months.

Images credit: Google