Neotropic Cormorant

Description:

The cormorant birds can be easily spotted around Uruguay as it lives both in fresh water and ocean. Although they can live either individually or in flocks they are commonly seen in large flocks, either swimming or simply standing near the shore together. These birds generally eat aquatic small animals and they dive into the water to gather them. An interesting feature is that these birds, in comparison to other birds, do not have the uropigial gland or oil gland which makes their feathers waterproof. Because of this, cormorant birds may dive fast into the water as their feathers offer less ressitance; then - after diving - these fairly big birds will open their wings widely in order to dry their feathers.

Habitat:

There are two types of cormorant birds which may be found along América. The phalacrocorax brasilianus can be found mainly in central and south América, from Mexico to Argentina.

Notes:

Southern Cormorant types tend to be bigger than northern ones; around 64 cm long with a 1 meter long wingspan.