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Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

A large and conspicuous water bird, the cormorant has an almost primitive appearance with a long neck making it appear almost reptilian. They are often seen standing with wings held out.

Regarded by some as black, sinister and greedy, cormorants are supreme fishers which can bring them into conflict with anglers. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers and with their breeding concentrations at a few sites it is an Amber List species.

Breeding

As coastal seabirds they are found wherever there are cliffs or rocky islands. New colonies inland are mainly in trees by freshwater lochs, gravel pits and reservoirs.

Eat

Fish.

Sound

Noisy croaks at the nest.

Spot them

All year round on the Bass Rock, Isle of May, Fidra and Craigleith.

Cormorant facts