Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carbo
Length 80-100cm

Large, dark seabird with long, hook-tipped bill. At close range and in good light, plumage has oily sheen. In summer, adult has white patch on face and on thighs; in winter, thigh patch lost and face appears grubby. Juvenile has dark brown upperparts and whitish underparts. Large, webbed feet used to good effect when swimming at surface or underwater in search of flatfish and eels. Plumage lacks complete waterproofing and so often seen perched on posts with wings held out to dry. Breeds on cliffs and islands on sheltered coasts around Britain and Ireland except S and SE England. In winter, seen on estuaries, reservoirs and rivers.