Cormorants are large, almost completely black birds, with slightly brown wings, a distinctive green eye and yellow hooked bill. In comparison to their cousins, the European Shag, the Cormorant has a white patch under its chin and during the breeding season will develop a white patch around the thigh area. Juvenile Cormorants are a mottled brown and white colour and won't exhibit their black plumage until they reach adulthood.
Cormorant
Cormorant
Scientific Name: ( Phalacrocorax carbo )
The Cormorant is one of our most impressive waterbirds and is a master when it comes to catching fish.
A staple of the UK coast, these birds can be found all year round and are typically seen in their iconic wing pose. This is due to cormorants being one of the only UK water birds whose feathers are not fully waterproof.
Cormorants are currently green listed in the UK and are not covered under the special protected area designated along the Sunderland coastline.
Cormorants are a very versatile species of water bird and a regular visitor to freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes and rivers as well as the coast. You are likely to see them repeatedly diving whilst swimming as they predate on fish. They can often be seen resting in trees and along manmade structures like piers where they will hold their wings out to dry in between fishing trips.
KEY FACTS
CONSERVATION STATUS | Green
LENGTH | 80-100cm
WINGSPAN | 130-160cm
WHEN TO SEE THEM | All year round
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