Great Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carbo
Least Concern
The Great Cormorant is an expert diving fisherman! These dark waterbirds dive deep to chase fish, using their feet to propel themselves underwater. Unlike ducks, their feathers aren't very waterproof.
You'll often see cormorants standing with their wings spread out to dry in the sun - they look like they're hugging the world! In Asia, fishermen have used trained cormorants to catch fish for over 1,000 years.
Size
About the size of a goose
Large (40-60 cm)
Wingspan: 150 cm
Weight: 2500 g
Colors
black
white
yellow
Habitat
coastalwetland
Diet
fish
Fun Facts
- ✨Asian fishermen have used trained cormorants for 1,000+ years!
- ✨They stand with wings spread to dry - they're not very waterproof.
- ✨Cormorants can dive over 100 feet deep!
- ✨They swallow pebbles to help them dive deeper.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Great news! This bird is doing well. There are lots of them in the wild, and they have safe places to live and find food.
Population trend: increasing 📈