Great Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carbo
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<birdfyi-bird slug="great-cormorant"></birdfyi-bird>About
The great cormorant is one of the most widespread seabirds in the world. Unlike most waterbirds, cormorants lack fully waterproof plumage, leading to the iconic pose of standing with wings spread open to dry. In Asia, cormorants have been used by fishermen to catch fish for over a thousand years.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Body Length | 90.0 cm | 35.4 in |
| Wingspan | 145.0 cm | 57.1 in |
| Weight | 2600.0 g | 91.71 oz |
Identification
Plumage
All black with a bronze-green gloss. White throat patch and white thigh patches in breeding season. Yellow-orange face patch around the bill base.
Bill
Long, hooked, dark bill with a yellow gape
Habitat & Range
Coasts, estuaries, lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Nests in colonies in trees, on cliffs, or on the ground.
Geographic Range
Very wide range across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australasia. One of the most widespread cormorant species.
Diet & Feeding
Fish caught by diving from the surface. Pursues prey underwater using powerful feet for propulsion. Can dive to over 10 meters.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: PL,M. Incubation: 27-38 days. Fledging: 45-55 days.
Clutch Size
1-7
Sound
Song
Deep, guttural grunts and 'karrr' calls at colonies. Bill-clicking and hissing in threat displays. Silent at sea. Colonial noise can be deafening during the breeding season.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes (Boobies & Cormorants) |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants & Shags) |
| Genus | Phalacrocorax |
| Species | Phalacrocorax carbo |
Names in Other Languages
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| German | Kormoran |
| Spanish | Cormorán Grande |
Distribution
Great Cormorant has been recorded in 9 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Great Cormorant eat?
Where does the Great Cormorant live?
Is the Great Cormorant endangered?
How does the Great Cormorant nest?
What does the Great Cormorant sound like?
How big is the Great Cormorant?
What order and family does the Great Cormorant belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Phalacrocoracidae family