Great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
Great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
Cormorant: The Elegant Fisher of the Waters
The cormorant, a cosmopolitan fish hunter, amazes with its diving skills and iconic wing-drying pose. Discover more about its appearance, lifestyle, and unique adaptations!
Shortlist
- The cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) is a globally distributed bird, specializing in catching fish.
- Measuring 77–94 cm, it is a large and graceful waterbird.
- Primary diet: fish up to 20 cm, occasionally supplemented with crustaceans.
- Habitat: coasts, lakes, rivers – nests in colonies on trees or cliffs.
- Special features: black plumage with a white thigh patch during breeding season and its iconic drying poses.
Key Facts
- Scientific Name: Phalacrocorax carbo
- Size: 77–94 cm
- Weight: Not specified
- Habitat: Coasts, rivers, lakes, reed beds
- Diet: Fish up to 20 cm, small crustaceans
- Seasonality: Found year-round in Europe
- Nest: Built from twigs in trees or on coastal cliffs
Table of Contents
- Introduction: A Global Bird
- Appearance: Simple but Elegant
- Habitat and Distribution
- Diet: Masterful Fish Hunters
- Reproduction: Colony Life
- Special Traits: Drying Poses and Diving Skills
- FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Cormorants
1. Introduction: A Global Bird
The cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) is one of the most fascinating waterbirds, known for its remarkable ability to dive underwater to catch fish. Found on every continent except Antarctica, it thrives in a variety of habitats, from coastal regions to inland rivers and lakes.
Capable of diving to depths of 20 meters, the cormorant is a true master of underwater hunting. Despite its elegance and efficiency, the bird has sparked controversy in some regions, where it is viewed as a competitor by fishermen. However, its striking presence and fascinating behavior make it a captivating species and an essential part of aquatic ecosystems.
2. Appearance: Simple but Elegant
While the cormorant’s dark plumage may seem plain at first glance, its details reveal an understated elegance and functionality perfectly suited to its aquatic lifestyle.
Key Features
Plumage:
- In breeding season, adults display deep black feathers with a greenish sheen in sunlight, along with a white thigh patch.
- Juveniles are brownish on top and white underneath, providing better camouflage during their early months.
Beak:
Its slightly hooked beak, with a sharp tip, is ideal for gripping slippery fish.Flight:
In flight, the cormorant’s silhouette resembles that of a goose, with slow wingbeats and a long tail.Iconic Pose:
After diving, cormorants often perch with wings spread wide to dry, a distinctive behavior that is both practical and iconic.
Its simple yet striking appearance, combined with its unique drying behavior, makes the cormorant instantly recognizable.
3. Habitat and Distribution
The cormorant is a highly adaptable bird that thrives in a wide range of environments. Its global distribution is a testament to its versatility.
Distribution
Breeding Season:
- Found in coastal regions, reed beds, or islands on large lakes.
- Common in Central and Northern Europe, particularly in the lowlands.
Wintering Grounds:
- During colder months, cormorants often move to rivers, reservoirs, and other water bodies with abundant fish stocks.
Preferred Habitats
- Coastal cliffs and rocky shorelines.
- Freshwater lakes and rivers, including urban settings.
- Wetlands and marshy areas.
The cormorant’s ability to exploit a wide variety of habitats ensures its survival across diverse climates and landscapes.
4. Diet: Masterful Fish Hunters
The cormorant is a specialist predator, with an anatomy and hunting strategy finely tuned for catching fish.
Primary Diet
Fish:
- The cormorant’s main diet consists of fish up to 20 cm long.
- It often targets schooling species such as herring or small freshwater fish like perch and roach.
Occasional Supplements:
- Small crustaceans and insect larvae.
Its slightly less water-repellent feathers reduce buoyancy, allowing it to dive efficiently. After feeding, cormorants often bask in the sun to dry their wings, as their feathers can become saturated.
5. Reproduction: Colony Life
Cormorants are highly social birds, nesting and breeding in colonies that can include hundreds of pairs.
Breeding Behavior
Nest Construction:
- Nests are made of sticks and lined with softer materials like grass.
- They are built on trees, cliffs, or rocky outcrops near water.
Eggs and Incubation:
- Females lay 3–5 eggs, which both parents incubate for about a month.
- The young remain in the nest for around 7 weeks, fed by both parents before fledging.
Large colonies often impact their surroundings, as accumulated droppings can kill vegetation, eventually forcing the colony to relocate.
6. Special Traits: Drying Poses and Diving Skills
Cormorants have developed several unique adaptations that make them successful hunters and a distinctive presence in their habitats.
Wing-drying Pose:
Cormorants spread their wings to dry after diving, as their feathers are less water-repellent than those of other waterbirds. This trait reduces buoyancy, enabling them to dive deeper and stay submerged longer.Diving Mastery:
Using their strong, webbed feet for propulsion, cormorants can dive to depths of up to 20 meters. Their sharp vision underwater allows them to spot and pursue prey with remarkable precision.
These traits make the cormorant a fascinating example of adaptation to an aquatic lifestyle.
7. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Cormorants
1. How big is a cormorant?
Cormorants are 77–94 cm in length, making them one of the larger waterbirds.
2. What do cormorants eat?
They primarily eat fish up to 20 cm in length, but they occasionally consume small crustaceans and insect larvae.
3. Where do cormorants live?
Cormorants inhabit coasts, lakes, and rivers worldwide, thriving in both natural and urban environments.
4. Why do cormorants dry their wings?
Their feathers are less water-repellent, which helps reduce buoyancy while diving. After feeding, they spread their wings to dry in the sun or wind.
5. How do cormorants hunt underwater?
They dive using their powerful legs for propulsion and catch fish with their hooked beak, aided by excellent underwater vision.
The cormorant is a remarkable bird, combining elegance, adaptability, and expert hunting skills. Whether perched with wings outstretched or gliding through the water, it is a symbol of the intricate balance of life in aquatic ecosystems. Keep an eye out for this masterful diver on your next trip to the coast or a nearby lake!
