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 Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo L 90, W 145. A widespread species, inhabits five continents. Nests colonially. Race carbo breeds along N Atlantic and Murman coasts, on rocky islands and cliff ledges (exceptionally in trees). Race sinensis breeds in central and S Europe (incl. Holland, Denmark, Sweden) in trees, often by fresh water, often in company of herons. The trees are killed by their droppings. In Britain mainly marine but avoids rough sea, prefers shallow coastal waters and estuaries, also visits reser- voirs, rivers etc. Large, dark and reptile-like. In spring has white on chin and cheeks, a white patch on thigh and (for a short period) a varying amount of whitish hair-like plumes interspersed on hind parts of head. In sinensis these plumes are abundant and large, much of head and upper neck looking white in early spring. In autumn/winter almost all-dark; whitish on chin slight. Juveniles and immatures are brown-black, but belly is whitish with few exceptions (Atlantic juv. Shag: belly brown). All-dark birds can be difficult to tell from Shag, but bill is heavier, head largerand more flat-crowned and angled at nape. Swims low with neck erect, bill held up at an angle. Expert diver, dives with small jump or with a more graceful bow. Rests on rocky shores, on sandbanks (often many in along line, like bottles), piles, buoys etc, in upright posture, wings often typically held spread. Flight with goose-like wingbeats, at times interrupted by short glides. Usually flies several metres above sea (cf. Shag). Large flocks fly in winding groups. Overflies land at great height, at which time also soars. Deep guttural noise at nest, otherwise silent. RSW
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