Common name: Great Cormorant
Scientific name: Phalacrocorax carbo
Family: Phalacrocoracidae

Size:
Body length: 80–100 cm
Wingspan: 130–160 cm
Weight: 1.5–3.5 kg

Identification:
A large, heavy-bodied waterbird with dark, almost black plumage. In breeding season, adults show white patches on the face and thighs, along with a slight glossy sheen. It has a long neck, a thick hooked bill, and a wedge-shaped tail. The eye is greenish, adding to its distinctive look. In flight, it appears bulky with steady wingbeats.

Habitat:
Coastal waters, lakes, rivers, estuaries, and reservoirs. Found in both freshwater and marine environments.

Status in the UAE:
Common resident and winter visitor. Widely distributed along coasts and inland water bodies.

Diet:
Carnivorous — feeds mainly on fish, caught by diving underwater.

Behavior:
An excellent diver, swimming underwater to chase fish. Often seen perched with wings spread to dry, as its feathers are not fully waterproof. Can be solitary or found in groups. Nests colonially on cliffs, trees, or islands.

Conservation status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)