2020

The Cormorant is a large, black, fish-eating bird with a long, hook-tipped bill. They can be seen on both coastal and inland waters.

When on water they swim low with their bill raised, and often dive with a leap from the water's surface. Their plumage is not waterproof but this has the advantage of allowing them to dive deep, as buoyancy is reduced.

When out of the water Cormorant can be seen on elevated perches such as trees or rocks with their wings spread in order to dry them. They need to do this since their feathers are not waterproof.

Historically, the Cormorant population in the UK and close continent has been kept at a low level due to persecution by humans and through reduced breeding success (in the 1950-60s) as a result of pesticide pollution.

Following protective legislation against persecution in Denmark and Holland in the 1960s, the European population increased rapidly and continental birds started to extend their wintering range into Britain and Ireland.

Cormorants are now widespread throughout Britain and Ireland with the highest densities on the coast, at estuaries and on inland waters.

2021