Large cormorant found nearly worldwide. Note large size, white patch on throat, and lack of crest. Breeding adults show circular white patch on flanks. Immatures typically have contrasting white belly; African "White-breasted" also has extensive white underparts in all plumages. Often spotted standing on rocks or pilings. Dives frequently, feeding on fish. Found in many types of water bodies, ranging from rivers to reservoirs to marine environments; in North America, restricted to coastal North Atlantic.
People have used cormorants to help them fish for centuries. In 5th century China and Japan, and 16th century Europe, fishermen fitted tethered rings loosely around the birds’ necks, keeping them from swallowing larger fish. Cormorants live a long time, and some of the older cormorants would keep fishing even without the rings and tethers. Into the 20th century in Macedonia and Greece, fishermen used captive cormorants to herd fish toward their nets.
Great Cormorants often hold the wings open when they are out of the water. They typically face into the wind and turn their backs to the sun. This behavior probably serves to warm them and help dry the plumage. It may also aid in the digestion of prey.
