Cormorants and Shags
Cormorants and Shags
Phalacrocoracidae
The Slick Divers of the Waterways: Cormorants and Shags (family Phalacrocoracidae) are the sleek, stealthy hunters of the bird world, masters of underwater fishing with their streamlined bodies and dagger-like beaks. Found on coastlines, lakes, and rivers across the globe, these birds have an almost prehistoric look—dark, glossy feathers, long necks, and piercing eyes that seem to stare straight through you. Despite their powerful swimming skills, cormorants and shags are unusual among waterbirds in that their feathers aren’t fully waterproof. Instead of shedding water like ducks, they absorb it, reducing buoyancy and allowing them to dive deeper in search of fish. After a hunting session, they can often be seen perched with their wings spread wide, drying off in the sun like eerie, feathered statues. Though closely related, the terms "cormorant" and "shag" are often used interchangeably, with shags typically referring to smaller, more coastal species like the European Shag (Gulosus aristotelis), while cormorants tend to be larger and more widespread, such as the Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo). Humans have long had a complex relationship with these birds. In some parts of Asia, trained cormorants have been used for centuries in traditional fishing, catching fish for their handlers with a small ring placed around their neck to prevent them from swallowing large prey. Meanwhile, in other places, they’ve been unfairly blamed for depleting fish stocks, leading to conflicts with fishermen. Whether diving deep into the ocean or standing motionless on a dock, cormorants and shags embody the raw efficiency of nature. They may not have the bright colors of tropical birds or the soaring majesty of raptors, but when it comes to underwater hunting, few can match their skill.