The Great Cormorant is a large seabird that belongs to the family Phalacrocoracidae. These birds are often found in coastal regions, and they have adapted uniquely to their aquatic lifestyle.
Basic Description
Great Cormorants are relatively large birds, with an average weight of 3 kilograms and a wingspan of up to 1.4 metres. They have long necks and webbed feet which make them excellent swimmers, as well as sharp beaks for catching fish.
Where To Find This Bird
The Great Cormorant can be found throughout the world’s oceans and coasts but is most commonly seen in Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. In particular, these birds prefer rocky coastlines where there are plenty of cliffs or ledges for them to roost on.
Habitat
Great Cormorants thrive in both marine and freshwater habitats such as estuaries, rivers or lakes – anywhere near mackerel or other prey species! They typically build their nests atop rocky cliffs alongside the ocean shoreline outcrops or amid riverine vegetation along banks.
Food
As master fishermen among waterbirds worldwide; it is no surprise that Great cormorants feed mostly on fish like mackerels but also eels crustaceans like prawns too! Their hunting technique involves diving deep into the water to catch their prey before returning back up above surface waters where they will consume it whole.
Cool Facts
One fascinating fact about Great Cormorants is that unlike other seabirds whose feathers are waterproofed by oils secreted from glands located at their base; this bird has unique feathers that absorb water leading them even deeper into the sea depths than many others cannot reach- making them truly remarkable divers!
Another fun fact about these unique creatures lies in Chinese fishing culture: hardy trained cormorant handlers traditionally used this bird’s natural fishing techniques for millennia (sometimes still do too) to make a living helping fishermen catch fish.
In conclusion, the Great Cormorant is an impressive bird with unique features that make it stand out among other seabirds. Its ability to dive deep for its prey and absorb water in its feathers sets it apart from other birds. It can be found along rocky coastlines worldwide and has been used by humans for fishing purposes throughout history.
