Cormorant
Cormorants are a family of medium-to-large aquatic birds in the family Phalacrocoracidae, known for diving to catch fish.
Cormorants are a family of medium-to-large aquatic birds in the family Phalacrocoracidae, known for diving to catch fish. They occur on coasts and inland waters in many parts of the world and are often called shags in some regions. The best-known species include the great cormorant and the double-crested cormorant.
Taxonomy
Cormorants belong to the family Phalacrocoracidae. Sources differ slightly on the number of species, with estimates ranging from about 26 to 30 species, while some ornithological classifications recognize around 40 species including shags.
Description
Cormorants are medium-to-large seabirds with long necks, dark plumage, webbed feet, and hooked bills. They are adapted for diving and catching fish underwater.
Habitat and distribution
Cormorants are mainly coastal birds, though some species live on inland waters such as lakes and rivers. They are found across much of the world, with the central Pacific islands noted as an exception.
Behaviour and ecology
Cormorants are colonial nesters that may breed on cliffs, trees, islets, or shorelines. They are known for surfacing and drying their wings after diving, because their feathers are not fully waterproof.
Key facts
- Cormorants are dark-coloured diving birds in the family Phalacrocoracidae.
- They use hooked bills and underwater pursuit to catch fish.
- Most species are coastal, but some have adapted to inland lakes and rivers.
- Cormorants are found in many regions worldwide, except the central Pacific islands.
- Some species nest in colonies on cliffs, trees, islets, or seacoasts.
Cormorants are relevant to Canadian readers because several species occur in North America, including coastal and inland populations that are observed in Canadian waters and birding contexts.
Frequently asked questions
What is a cormorant?
Are cormorants seabirds?
What do cormorants eat?
Why do cormorants hold their wings out?
How many species of cormorant are there?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CormorantSupports: General family description, habitat, distribution, nesting, and species count context.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/cormorantSupports: Definition of cormorants as water birds in the family Phalacrocoracidae and species range estimate.
- The Wildlife Trusts — https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/birds/seabirds/cormorantSupports: Description, diet, wing-drying behaviour, habitat, and scientific name of the great cormorant.
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology — https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Double-crested_Cormorant/lifehistorySupports: Diet, colonial nesting, and North American context for cormorants.
- Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management — https://icwdm.org/species/birds/cormorants/Supports: North American species examples and general bird characteristics.