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Animal profile

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

AvesCoastal waters, estuaries, lakes and large riversLeast Concern

Field profile

The great cormorant is a large, dark, long-necked waterbird that pursues fish underwater using its feet. It occupies both marine and fresh water across an unusually wide global range. It is often seen perched with wings held open after fishing.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2026-08-20

Great Cormorant

The cormorant's wettable feathers are a trade-off

Cormorants stand with wings spread because parts of their plumage soak up water. That looks like a design flaw, but wet outer feathers reduce buoyancy and make diving cheaper, so the drying posture is the price of an efficient hunt.

Read with evidence →

Great Cormorant | Daily Animal Facts