Great Cormorant

The great cormorant is a large and powerful seabird found widely along the Icelandic coast. It prefers cliffs, skerries, and fjords where food is easily accessible. The species is well known for spreading its wings to dry after diving.

Its diet mainly consists of fish caught by underwater pursuit. It is an excellent swimmer, using its strong legs to propel itself beneath the surface. The great cormorant nests on cliffs or in trees, often forming large breeding colonies.

Coasts, fjords, and lakes

Fish.

Cliffs, islands and sites near marine or freshwater habitats.

A large dark cormorant with a heavy body and powerful bill. Adults may show a white thigh patch in breeding plumage.

Found along coasts, fjords and islands, particularly in western Iceland.

The great cormorant often spreads its wings to dry them.