GREAT CORMORANT

CHARACTERISTICS: It lives on the sea coasts and in almost all the lakes and rivers of the world. Its plumage is not waterproof and you can often see these birds, after they have been fishing, standing up with their wings extended in order to dry them. Adults have a crest or white patches on the head, neck or sides.
DIET: All types of fishes.
REPRODUCTION: It builds its nest in a wide range of habitats, from bare cliffs and rocks to trees and cane fields. They reproduce in colonies and, in some cases, they return to the same place year after year, although the birds usually only remain together for one season.
CURIOSITIES: They are magnificent divers and swimmers and can reach from 6 to 10 metres depth and can remain submerged for up to 1 minute. This ability has been taken advantage of by Chinese fishermen so that, once trained, they can bring them fish. They stop the birds from swallowing the fish by placing a ring on their necks.