cormorant
1. Bird Name
The bird being profiled here is commonly known as the Cormorant. Its Latin name is Phalacrocorax carbo.
2. Appearance
Cormorants boast a predominantly dark plumage, with the majority of species being black or dark brown. Specific coloration varies by species, but many also exhibit patches of white or cream, especially around the face and neck. The feathers have a sleek, iridescent quality, sometimes appearing to shimmer green or bronze in sunlight. They have long bodies, a narrow, pointed tail, and a relatively short, strong beak hooked at the end for catching and holding onto slippery prey. Their eyes are an intense green or stunningly blue in some species. There’s no notable difference between males and females, making it challenging for untrained observers to distinguish between the two.
3. Size
On average, Cormorants reach a length of around 80 cm (31.5 inches). Larger breeds may be up to 100 cm (39 inches) long, while smaller varieties may only measure 50 cm (19.7 inches). They can have a wingspan of up to 1.5 meters (59 inches) and weigh between 2-5 kg (4.4 -11 lbs).
4. Habitat & Distribution
Cormorants have global distribution nesting along coasts and lakes throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa, excluding desert regions. They prefer habitats near water, particularly in coastal areas and around inland waters. They are often spotted on rocks, in trees near water, and in open water.
5. Interesting Facts
One fascinating fact about Cormorants is their incredible diving abilities. These birds can dive to depths of 100 feet in search of food, holding their breath for over a minute if needed. Additionally, cormorants were historically used for fishing in Japan and China through a process called Ukai. The bird also holds cultural significance in several societies and is, for example, found in the coat of arms of the Shetland Islands.
6. Diet
Cormorants are piscivorous, meaning their diet consists almost entirely of fish, which they often catch through deep-diving. They may also consume amphibians, crustaceans, and occasionally small birds or mammals.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Cormorants often display communal roosting and hunting behaviors. They are known for their distinct posture of standing with wings spread to dry their feathers after a swim, as opposed to most water birds, their feathers are not waterproofed. Their call or song can be described as a low, guttural croak.
8. Conservation Status
Cormorants, according to the IUCN Red List, have a conservation status of least concern, meaning they are not currently threatened or endangered. However, like all wildlife, they still require careful management to maintain population health.
9. Lifespan
Cormorants typically live for about 20 years in the wild, but they have been known to live up to 25 years in captivity.
10. Additional Notes
In Spanish, they’re referred to as “Cormorán,” in German, “Kormoran,” and in Italian “Cormorano.” As visually striking birds, they often capture human attention and feature in many myths, folklore, and cultural symbols. In ecosystems, they play a vital role as efficient predators, controlling fish populations, and providing food for larger predators. Cormorants are a testament to the art of adaptation, thriving in an astonishing variety of environments and demonstrating unique behaviors shaped by their specific hunting needs. Despite occasional human-wildlife conflict concerning fishing resources, these fascinating birds remain an integral part of global biodiversity.
