What is a Cormorant?

A cormorant is a type of waterbird with characteristic dark, glossy plumage. Around 30 species of birds in the genus Phalacrocorax are considered cormorants, and the birds are found abundantly distributed around the world. Many cormorants are considered economically valuable species, as their guano has commercial applications as a source of fuel, fertilizers, and other substances. Cormorants and humans have also had a long relationship, with many early humans harvesting cormorant feathers for decorations and personal ornaments.

All cormorants have webbed feet, to assist them with swimming and diving. The birds also have slender, hooked beaks which are designed for catching and eating an assortment of small fish species, and they also have pouches which make them very easy to spot and identify. Many cormorants have pouches in bright colors like orange and yellow. The primarily black plumage of the birds may be marked with white, yellow, or red accents, depending on the species, and some cormorants also have crests. In some parts of the world, crested cormorants are known as shags.

Intriguingly for water birds, cormorants lack waterproofing oils on their feathers. The birds are often seen stretching out the wings so that they can dry out, and they are vulnerable to hypothermia if they are exposed to cold water for too long. This lack of waterproofing may help to streamline cormorants when they dive, since their feathers do not form air pockets for buoyancy, as most other waterbirds do.

A group of cormorants is known as a colony; colonies can contain hundreds of individuals, and they may be quite noisy as the birds are extremely gregarious. Cormorant colonies also tend to smell atrocious, thanks to the copious guano that the birds produce. Colonies can be found in both fresh and saltwater locations, and often on islands, depending on the species of cormorant. One species of cormorant, the Galapagos Cormorant, is flightless. These unique birds can be found in the Galapagos Islands, along with a number of other unique animal, bird, and plant species.

Cormorants can look rather awkward and ungainly when they move around on land. This trait is common to many waterbirds, as the animals are designed for sleek, high speed performance in the water, not on land. Once in the water, a cormorant can dive amazingly quickly, and the birds are capable of swimming underwater, sometimes popping up surprisingly far from where they dived.

Cormorants are medium-to-large aquatic birds with a distinctive long neck and a hooked bill, primarily known for their expert diving abilities to catch fish. They inhabit coastal regions as well as inland waterways across the globe, with a presence on every continent except Antarctica. Cormorants prefer marine environments but can also be found in freshwater lakes and rivers.

Cormorants are adept hunters, diving underwater to pursue their prey with agility and speed. They use their webbed feet to propel themselves and their sharp bills to snatch fish. Unlike other water birds, cormorants have less buoyant bodies, allowing them to dive deeper and stay submerged longer, sometimes reaching depths of 45 meters according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Yes, cormorants are quite social. They often nest in colonies and can be seen roosting together in large numbers. During breeding season, these colonies can become densely populated, and the birds engage in communal activities such as fishing and protecting their nesting sites from predators. Their social nature is also evident in their synchronized flying patterns.

Cormorants are often confused with shags, their close relatives. One distinguishing feature is the shape of their gular pouch—the skin beneath their beak—which tends to be more angular in cormorants. Additionally, cormorants have a broader distribution and are generally larger with a more robust build compared to shags. Their behavior of spreading wings to dry is also a characteristic trait.

Cormorants have several adaptations for their aquatic lifestyle. Their waterproof feathers and a special gland near the base of their tail secrete oil used during preening to maintain their feather's waterproofing. Their eyes are adapted to see clearly underwater, and they have flexible necks for quick movement while hunting. Their body's reduced buoyancy aids in diving efficiency.

The conservation status of cormorants varies by species. However, most cormorant species are not currently considered endangered. Some populations have faced declines due to habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing, which reduces their food sources. Conservation efforts are in place in some regions to monitor and protect their habitats, ensuring the sustainability of cormorant populations.