All species
resident
Least ConcernCormorants and shags
Cormorant
A large, dark waterbird with a long neck, hooked bill and emerald eyes. Cormorants are often seen perched with wings spread to dry after diving.
Phalacrocorax carbo
Coastal Lakes Rivers Estuaries
Size
80-100 cm
Wingspan
120-150 cm
Weight
1.8-2.5 kg
Lifespan
15-20 years
Diet
Fish, especially eels and flatfish; catches prey by diving.
Song & Call
Usually silent away from colonies; at nest, makes guttural croaks and hisses.
How to identify
- All-black plumage
- Long neck and hooked bill
- White throat patch in breeding
- Wings spread to dry
Conservation
Least Concern
Population recovered from persecution; now common inland and on coasts.
