19-3-2015 JURONG, SINGAPORE - EURASIAN GREAT CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo)

Global population: 1,400,000 to 2,100,000 individuals. The European breeding population is estimated at 828,000 to 1,030,000 mature individuals 

Wingspan: 121 to 160 cm 

Life span: over 10 years. The oldest Great Cormorant ever recorded was over 21 years old.  

Distinct features: Great Cormorants are large birds with long, thick, necks. Their black plumage has a blue-greenish metallic reflection. Their powerful bills are greyish with white patches around its base. Their legs are dark and long. Males are typically larger and heavier than females. When flying, this seabird can be recognised by its brief glides, breaking its active flight with slightly shallow wingbeats. When in their flock, Great Cormorants fly quite high up, holding a formation. But when alone, they often fly low over the water. Their plumage is not waterproof, so they often stand on rocks, wings outstretched, to dry off after fishing. 

Main prey: This seabird has a diverse diet that includes fish, amphibians, crustaceans and nestling birds. They can occasionally dive to catch their prey, mostly in the benthic zone (the lowest level of a body of water) and above 10 meters. They are usually solitary feeders but can form large fishing flocks in some areas.