Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo, Linnaeus, 1758))
Family: Phalacrocoracidae.
Length: 80 to 100cm Wingspan: 130 to 160cm Weight: 2 to 2.5Kg Lifespan: 15 to 20 years.
In the UK it will be seen throughout the entire twelve months of year.
The Cormorant was once found only on the coastlines of the UK, but from the 1950’s recordings, it is now more commonly seen inland, on lakes, flooded pits, reservoirs, rivers and ponds. Because of this it is continually in conflict with commercial fisheries and private lakes for anglers. The reason is easy to observe, as the diving cormorant is supreme at catching most types of fish, the larger ones it will bring to the surface before swallowing them. It is found widespread across Europe’s inland waters and coastlines, being equally adaptable to feed on a variety of salt and fresh water fish. Will also be seen in harbours, marinas and on rocky coastlines where it can sometimes be mistaken for a Shag, (being very similar in appearance).
The bird has a somewhat prehistoric appearance, enhanced by its reptilian neck and the way it stands, with its wings half-open to catch the warmth of the sun to dry. Often will be seen in small and medium flocks with other similar sized water birds.
Nesting: The large nest is made up of various sized sticks, mostly in trees or on cliff ledges, sometimes near to the ground on small islands in large lakes and estuaries. three to four eggs are laid, one brood a year.
The UK has just over 40,000 Wintering birds and just over 9,000 breeding pairs recorded in 2022.
Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo, Linnaeus, 1758))
Family: Phalacrocoracidae.
Length: 80 to 100cm Wingspan: 130 to 160cm Weight: 2 to 2.5Kg Lifespan: 15 to 20 years.
In the UK it will be seen throughout the entire twelve months of year.
The Cormorant was once found only on the coastlines of the UK, but from the 1950’s recordings, it is now more commonly seen inland, on lakes, flooded pits, reservoirs, rivers and ponds. Because of this it is continually in conflict with commercial fisheries and private lakes for anglers. The reason is easy to observe, as the diving cormorant is supreme at catching most types of fish, the larger ones it will bring to the surface before swallowing them. It is found widespread across Europe’s inland waters and coastlines, being equally adaptable to feed on a variety of salt and fresh water fish. Will also be seen in harbours, marinas and on rocky coastlines where it can sometimes be mistaken for a Shag, (being very similar in appearance).
The bird has a somewhat prehistoric appearance, enhanced by its reptilian neck and the way it stands, with its wings half-open to catch the warmth of the sun to dry. Often will be seen in small and medium flocks with other similar sized water birds.
Nesting: The large nest is made up of various sized sticks, mostly in trees or on cliff ledges, sometimes near to the ground on small islands in large lakes and estuaries. three to four eggs are laid, one brood a year.
The UK has just over 40,000 Wintering birds and just over 9,000 breeding pairs recorded in 2022.