Cormorants [Phalacrocorax]

Description

Phalacrocorax is the principal genus within the family Phalacrocoracidae, encompassing a wide range of species known commonly as cormorants. These birds are medium to large in size, characterized by their predominantly dark feathers, long necks, and robust, hooked bills. They are excellent divers, feeding on fish caught underwater. Cormorants are found worldwide, except for the central Pacific islands. They nest in colonies around coastlines, inland waterways, and on islands, building their nests with seaweed, twigs, and other debris. Some species of cormorants have developed specialized plumages, such as the double-crested cormorant with its distinctive feather tufts, and the flightless cormorant, notable for its reduced wings, found exclusively in the Galápagos Islands.