Great Cormorant , Phalacrocorax carbo

Its local names are
Pan kowwa (Hindi)
Pani kaori (Assamese)
Pan-kawri (Bengali)
Bonta kaki (Telgu)

Size :
Its size is about a domestic duck.

Field Characters :
In non-breeding seasons it is distinguished from cormorants only by its size.Its colour is black.Breeding birds have a white colour on head and neck.Also they have a large white patch on either flank which is conspicuous in flight.They have a yellow gular pouch which becomes less bright in non-breeding birds.Non-breeding birds are without a white colour in their plumage.Juveniles are white above and brown below.Adults acquire a plumage from the fourth year.

Distribution :
They are resident as well as migratory.A ringed bird from Kazakhstan was recovered in Punjab.They are found throughout India up to over 3000m.

Habits :
They inhabit large inland waters ,sand banks,tidal lagoons etc.They are found singly or in flocks.They hunt fish by diving and chasing them under water.

Food:
Their food is almost exclusively fish.















Nesting :
Their nesting season is generally from September to February, but may vary in different localities.Their nest is a massive platform in colonially mixed heronries.Eggs are 3 to 5 or 6 in numbers with pale blue colour with a white chalky layer on them.Both sexes share domestic duties.Courting birds engage in tail raising and bending the head backwards until it almost touches the back.The male all the while flaps its wings slowly.







































































All photographs taken at Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerla