Cormorants

Order: SULIFORMES - Family: PHALACROCORACIDAE

34 Species currently existing - 2 in region + 1 vagrant

Cormorants are a group of aquatic birds belonging to the family Phalacrocoracidae. These birds are known for their diving abilities and characteristic long necks that they extend in an S-shape while swimming. Here are some key points about cormorants: Read in Spanish

Physical Characteristics

Long Neck and Bill: Cormorants have long, flexible necks and sharp, hooked bills that they use to catch fish underwater. Their slender bodies and streamlined shapes help them navigate through water with agility.

Dark Plumage: Cormorants typically have dark plumage, often black or dark brown, which helps them absorb heat and stay warm in cold water. Some species have white patches on their throats or chests.

Webbed Feet: Cormorants have webbed feet that aid in swimming and diving. Their feet are set far back on their bodies, making them efficient swimmers.

Habitat

Marine and Freshwater Environment: Cormorants inhabit a variety of aquatic habitats, including coastal areas, estuaries, lakes, rivers, and wetlands. They are adaptable birds found worldwide, except in polar regions.

Diet and Feeding Behavior

Fish-Eating Predators: Cormorants are piscivorous birds that primarily feed on fish. They dive underwater to pursue and capture fish using their sharp bills and agile swimming skills.

Diving Abilities: Cormorants are proficient divers and can stay submerged for significant periods while searching for prey. They propel themselves underwater using their powerful legs and webbed feet.

Behavior

Drying Wings: After diving, cormorants can be seen perching with their wings outstretched to dry. Cormorants have less preen oil than other waterbirds, which helps reduce buoyancy for more efficient swimming but requires them to dry their feathers often.

Colonial Nesting: Many cormorant species nest in large colonies on offshore islands or cliffs. They build nests using sticks, seaweed, and other materials and may return to the same nesting sites year after year.

Reproduction

Egg-laying and Incubation: Cormorants typically lay 3-4 eggs in their nests, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs. The incubation period varies depending on the species.

Chick Rearing: Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the chicks once they hatch. Cormorant chicks grow rapidly and are fed regurgitated fish by their parents.

Relationship with Humans

Fisheries Interactions: Cormorants can sometimes come into conflict with fishermen as they compete for fish. In some regions, cormorants are seen as pests and may be subject to control measures to protect fish stocks.

Conservation Status: While some cormorant species are abundant and widespread, others face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and human disturbances. Conservation efforts focus on protecting important nesting sites and ensuring the availability of prey fish for cormorants. Cormorants are fascinating birds with unique adaptations for aquatic life. Their diving prowess, colonial nesting behavior, and efficient fishing skills make them important components of aquatic ecosystems.