Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

(P. c. sinensis)

Armenian Name:	Մեծ ձկնկուլ
Species Status:	Threatened Species - Species of Special Concern

See Plate 2 for Great Cormorant and other similar species

Resident Status:	Year-round resident
Abundance:	Uncommon
Length:	80-100 cm, Wing Span:130-160 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 8.
Adult (Breeding):	Mostly white head and white oval patches on thighs. Body black with green gloss on upperparts.
Adult (Non-breeding):	Lacks green gloss and white on head and thighs.
Juvenile:	Black-brown above with off-white underparts. Neck band is variable in size.
Similar Species:	Differs from Pygmy Cormorant by blacker plumage and body that is about twice its size.
Behavior:	Often perches on rocks or trees with outstretched wings. Flocks fly in V-formation or in straight or bowed lines. Flies with neck extended and slightly kinked.
Habitat:	Lakes, marshes, rivers, and fish ponds with emergent vegetation. Concentrations of resting birds occur on lake shores.
Food:	Fish.
Nest:	Colonial; conical piles of reeds in emergent vegetation.
Eggs:	66 mm, 3-4, pale blue or green.