Cormorant
Cormorants are a family of medium-to-large aquatic birds in the family Phalacrocoracidae, known for diving to catch fish.
Cormorants are medium-to-large aquatic birds that dive to catch fish. They occur worldwide except the central Pacific islands.
What it is
Cormorants belong to the family Phalacrocoracidae, with about 26 to 30 species. These medium-to-large seabirds have long necks, dark plumage, webbed feet, and hooked bills, all adaptations for diving and catching fish underwater.
Why it matters
Cormorants are important indicators of fishery health and are commonly observed in coastal and inland waters across Canada. Birdwatchers and ecologists track their populations because they can influence fish stocks and nesting sites.
Key details
Cormorants are colonial nesters on cliffs, trees, or islets. They feed mainly on fish, diving underwater to catch prey. After diving, they often spread their wings to dry since their feathers are not fully waterproof. They are found worldwide except the central Pacific islands.
In short
- Cormorants are dark diving birds in the family Phalacrocoracidae.
- They use hooked bills to catch fish underwater.
- Most species are coastal, but some live inland.
- They are found worldwide except the central Pacific islands.
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.
Quick questions
What is a cormorant?
What do cormorants eat?
Why do cormorants hold their wings out?
Sources
- 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.