Cormorants
The (Great) Cormorant is a widespread member of the cormorant and shag family Phalacrocoracidae. There is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range and males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a predominantly black plumage but the adult has white patches on the thighs and throat and a yellow throat during the breeding season. In Europe it can be distinguished from the Shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest and plumage without any green tinge.
The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish.
The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers.
The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days.
The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch.
Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence.
Date: 22nd May 2018
Location: BSPB Poda Protected Area, Burgas Province, Bulgaria
The (Great) Cormorant is a very common and widespread bird and it breeds in much of the Old World and the Atlantic coast of north America. It feeds on the sea, in estuaries and on freshwater lakes and rivers. Northern birds migrate south and winter along any coast that is well-supplied with fish.
The (Great) Cormorant is found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries and it is increasingly seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers.
The (Great) Cormorant mainly nests in colonies near wetlands, rivers and sheltered inshore waters. Pairs will use the same nest site to breed year after year. It builds its nest, which is made mainly from sticks, in trees, on the ledges of cliffs and on the ground on rocky islands that are free of predators. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated for a period of about 28 to 31 days.
The (Great) Cormorant feeds on fish caught through diving and it will consume all fish of appropriate size that they are able to catch.
Many fishermen see the (Great) Cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. Due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased although this has once again brought it in to conflict with fisheries. In the UK, where inland breeding was once uncommon, there are now increasing numbers of birds and many inland fish farms and fisheries now claim to be suffering high losses. In the UK each year, some licences are issued to cull specified numbers in order to help reduce predation although it is still illegal to kill a bird without such a licence.
Date: 22nd May 2018
Location: BSPB Poda Protected Area, Burgas Province, Bulgaria
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Also in: Bulgaria
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