Cormorants
1. Bird Name
The bird we will be discussing is the Cormorant, scientifically known as Phalacrocorax carbo.
2. Appearance
The Cormorant has a distinctive appearance among bird species. Males and females look alike, draped in an all-black or dark feathered physique, occasionally decorated with white or brown patches in some species. Their eye color is an astounding emerald green which becomes more prominent during the breeding season. The bird has a sturdy, sharp-hooked bill characterized by a yellow or orange throat patch, intended for catching slippery fish, its main source of sustenance. Their webbed feet are suited for their aquatic lifestyle. The plumage is not totally waterproof, and you can often see them standing with wings outspread to dry after diving.
3. Size
Cormorants are sizable birds, with an average length of around 77-94 cm or about 30-37 inches. The wingspan can range from 130 to 160 cm or roughly 51 to 63 inches. Their average weight varies between 1.5 to 3.7 kilograms or 3.3 to 8.2 pounds.
4. Habitat & Distribution
Cormorants are found on every continent except for Antarctica, displaying an impressive adaptability to different environments. These birds are highly adaptable, whether it’s coastal, offshore islands or inland waters like lakes and rivers. However, they are particularly fond of coastal areas where they often roost on cliffs.
5. Interesting Facts
An interesting fact about Cormorants is that in China and Japan, they have been tamed for centuries and used in a traditional fishing method where a ring is placed around the bird’s neck to prevent them from swallowing the fish they catch. The bird then returns the fish to the fishermen. Another intriguing behavior is that unlike most waterbirds, their feathers are not fully waterproof, which can help them dive more efficiently underwater.
6. Diet
As excellent divers, cormorants feast mainly on fish. They propel themselves underwater with their powerful, webbed feet to catch their prey.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Cormorants are social birds, often seen in flocks, whether hunting, roosting, or flying. They use a variety of grunts, growls, and hissing sounds to communicate. They often breed in colonies with nests built high in trees, cliff edges, or ground using seaweed, twigs, and flotsam. They demonstrate a coordinated flying pattern often flying in lines or V-formations.
8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Cormorant is currently of ‘Least Concern’, with an increasing population trend.
9. Lifespan
In wild settings, the Cormorant can live around 15 to 20 years. However, in captivity, this life expectancy can increase by a few years.
10. Additional Notes
In many cultures, the Cormorant is associated with death and the otherworld due to its black color and habit of roosting in eerie, uninhabited places. Despite this rather dark symbolism, these birds play a crucial role in their ecosystems. Cormorants have shown to influence the community structure of fish and algae by consuming large quantities of fish. They also help in the dispersion of certain kinds of seeds and other aquatic plants by carrying them on their feathers or feeding them to their hatchlings. They also interact with humans, often seen around fishing nets, piers, and ponds where their preferred food, fish, is abundant.
