Cormorants are an aquatic species that is almost always associated with oceans, though they sometimes range into freshwater habitats. It is estimated that in Europe there are now (2014) more than 2.2 million of these birds in Europe - and it is still on the increase in a number of countries. Fairly common along seacoasts, nesting on steep cliffs; usually seen as singles or small groups, swimming or flying low over the sea. It is one of six species of cormorants in North America and one of 38 species worldwide. Double-crested cormorants June 29, 2016. The cormorant is a naturally occurring bird species in Europe but the population has greatly increased since the 80s. In Britain this seabird is usually referred to as simply the shag. Description. shags and darters; complete first species assessment for the present state of the global populations of cormorants and shags. The double-crested cormorant is a goose-sized waterbird native to North America. This article focuses on transboundary conflicts between great cormorants, Phalacrocorax carbo L., and European fisheries interests. Foraging range The Great Cormorant has a largely neritic distribution. Appreciably smaller and thinner necked than Great Cormorant, with more slender bill. Similar to: Red-faced Cormorant. At sea, it rarely wanders far from the coast, preferring sheltered areas and estuaries where it … continental sub-species from mainland Europe to the UK (particularly over the winter months) and this has led to a dramatic increase in the abundance of cormorants found in the UK. The pygmy cormorant, proud holder of the smallest cormorant award, is a little bird native to parts of Europe and Asia. Does not occur on inland water bodies. Research activities: (1) disseminate data, reports and scientific papers on the status of Great Cormorant in Europe and beyond, with a focus on ecological studies and information The birds’ appetite for fish represents a problem to endangered fish populations in freshwater habitats and is a threat to vulnerable fish species. Habitat of the Cormorant. The range of Brandt's Cormorant and Pelagic Cormorant are similar, but Brandt's Comorant is easy to identify because of its white cheek. The ranges of these two species are very similar and they often share the same breeding grounds. The species usually nests in mixed-species colonies, often re-using sites and nests from year to year (del Hoyo et al. Natura 2000 species code A391: The EUNIS species component has very limited information about this species. One of several species of cormorant and related shag throughout the world, the nominal P. c. carbo subspecies of the UK can grow white neck/head plumes in the breeding season. Males are typically larger and heavier than females, with the nominate race (P. c. carbo) averaging about 10% larger in linear measurements than the smallest race in Europe (P. c. sinensis). The great cormorant is a large black bird, but there is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range. This species weighs less than one pound on average. Weight is reported to vary from 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) to 5.3 kg (12 lb). Rather large, long-necked dark waterbird; feeds by diving and often leaps a little as it dives. 1992). Also, in breeding season Brandt's Cormorant has a blue throat. The main focus of the EUNIS species component is to provide relevant information about the European species protected by Directives, Conventions and Agreements. The European continental subspecies P. c. sinensis, which visits the UK, has a more visible white head/neck, above right on the Seine in Paris. Cormorant The population of this fish predator has expanded dramatically recent years. The European shag or common shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) is a species of cormorant.It breeds around the rocky coasts of western and southern Europe, southwest Asia and north Africa, mainly wintering in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds.