A cormorant refers to a large aquatic bird belonging to the Phalacrocoracidae family, characterized by its long neck, hooked beak, and dark plumage. These birds are widely distributed globally, with various species inhabiting both saltwater and freshwater habitats, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and estuaries.
Cormorants have a streamlined body and webbed feet, enabling them to be adept swimmers and divers. They possess excellent underwater vision and possess a specialized gland that helps to remove excess salt from their bodies. With a strong beak and sharp claws, they can catch a wide range of prey, including fish, eels, crustaceans, and small aquatic animals.
These birds are known for their remarkable fishing abilities. They often swim near the water's surface and dive beneath to catch their prey, using their powerful legs and wings to propel themselves underwater. After capturing a fish, they return to the surface and maneuver it to swallow it whole. Cormorants are skilled hunters and can stay submerged for extended periods, thanks to their dense, oil-coated feathers, which provide buoyancy and limit water penetration.
Cormorants are typically gregarious birds, frequently found in colonies or nesting sites, often located on cliffs, trees, or manmade structures. They build nests using sticks and vegetation, laying multiple eggs. Their presence can sometimes lead to conflicts with humans, particularly in areas where their feeding habits negatively impact commercial fishing operations.
Due to their distinctive appearance and remarkable adaptability, cormorants have intrigued humans, who have incorporated them in folklore, mythology, and literature across various cultures.
