ExploreBirds

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

The Great Cormorant is a large bird that loves to dive deep for fish! It has a long neck and can often be seen drying its wings in the sun.

Habitat: Coastal areas and lakes

Appearance

The Great Cormorant is a large, dark water bird with a sleek, glossy black body and a distinctive hooked bill. During breeding season, it often sports white patches on its head and flanks, setting it apart from other similar dark waterfowl.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderSuliformesFamilyPhalacrocoracidaeGenusPhalacrocorax
Great Cormorant
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Great Cormorant

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

31

Interesting facts

Cormorants can dive over 200 feet deep to catch fish!

These birds spread their wings after diving, like sunbathing, to dry their feathers!

They have a special gland to remove salt from the seawater they drink!

They've been used for fishing by humans for thousands of years in Asia!

Special abilities

Ability

Super Dive Weights

Great Cormorants can get their feathers waterlogged because it helps them sink quickly and dive deep to hunt fish.

Ability

Underwater Eyes

Great Cormorants have excellent underwater vision that helps them spot and catch fast-moving prey in murky depths.

Ability

Wing Dryers

Great Cormorants can spread their wings wide because it helps them dry their feathers quickly after a long fishing session.

Measurements & details

Length
70-102 cm
Wingspan
121-160 cm
Weight
1.5-5.3 kg
Lifespan
10-20 years
Top Speed
55 km/h
Clutch Size
3-5
Incubation
27-30 days
Migration Distance
1500 km

Diet & Feeding

These expert divers mainly eat fish, catching them underwater with their sharp, hooked bills!

Age differences: Young cormorants are fed regurgitated fish by parents and gradually learn to hunt for themselves.

Primary Foods

  • eels
  • perch
  • carp
  • sticklebacks

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Black CormorantLarge Cormorant

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Great Cormorant?

The easiest way to identify Great Cormorant is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Great Cormorant?

70-102 cm

What is Great Cormorant's wingspan?

121-160 cm

How much does Great Cormorant weigh?

1.5-5.3 kg

How long does Great Cormorant live?

10-20 years

How fast can Great Cormorant move?

55 km/h

What does Great Cormorant eat?

These expert divers mainly eat fish, catching them underwater with their sharp, hooked bills!

Where is Great Cormorant usually found?

Coastal areas and lakes

Snap Map

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