ExploreBird

Cormorant

Phalacrocorax

Cormorants are sleek black birds that dive underwater to catch fish. They have long necks and sharp beaks, and they can swim very fast!

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Cormorant is a large, dark-feathered water bird with a long, slender neck and a distinctive hooked bill. Its plumage is often glossy black or dark bronze. They stand upright on land, giving them a unique, almost prehistoric silhouette, making them easy to spot.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderSuliformesFamilyPhalacrocoracidaeGenusPhalacrocorax

Cormorant

Interesting facts

Ancient Egyptians sometimes trained cormorants to help them catch fish!

Cormorants have a special gland to drink saltwater and get rid of the salt!

They often return to the same nesting spots year after year, sometimes for decades!

Unlike most waterbirds, their feathers aren't fully waterproof, helping them dive!

Special abilities

Cormorant can dive deep and swiftly pursue fish because it has powerful, webbed feet that help them propel underwater.

Cormorant has less oil on its feathers, helping them sink easily for diving, but needs to dry its wings afterwards in the sun.

Cormorant has excellent underwater vision because its eyes are adapted to see clearly in water, helping them spot hidden prey.

Measurements & details

Length: 70-100 cm
Wingspan: 130-160 cm
Weight: 1.5-5.3 kg
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Top Speed: 80 km/h
Clutch Size: 3-5
Incubation: 28-31 days
Migration Distance: 2500 km

Diet & Feeding

Cormorants are expert underwater hunters, mainly eating fish that they chase and catch.

Primary Foods

fish
eels
crabs
shrimp
squid

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

eats

Zander

Sander lucioperca

A common prey fish in freshwater habitats.

eats

European Eel

Anguilla anguilla

An important food source, especially for larger cormorants.

eaten by

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Large raptors sometimes prey on cormorant chicks or adults.

eats

European Herring Gull

Larus argentatus

Gulls often steal eggs or chicks from cormorant colonies.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Webbed Feet

These animals have special feet with skin between their toes, which helps them swim super fast!

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Piscivorous

Discover amazing animals that love to eat fish! They're like expert underwater hunters, always on the lookout for a tasty meal from the rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Ancient Lineage

These fascinating organisms carry echoes of the deep past, with ancestors that have roamed the Earth for an incredible span of time. They are living links to ancient worlds!

Coastal

Discover life found along the edges where land meets the sea! These habitats are always changing with the tides and waves, offering unique environments.