GREAT CORMORANT
Phalacrocorax carbo
Family Phalacrocoracidae

Length 840mm (33")
Migrant- Rare

Bird #337 - October  2011

This is a large migrant to the Philippines. It is common in Europe but listed as rare in the Guide to the Birds of the Philippines. We were surprised to see two Great Cormorants soon after checking into our hotel in Batanes. We were all looking out at the water from our veranda when we saw one fly towards us. Then another one landed in the water and we ran with our gear to take the photos. We encountered several of these birds in Batan and Sabtang islands in Batanes. We got close enough to take some  photos.

We saw this bird fishing in both the sea and in fresh water.  It would dive into the water for food, swim around at the surface for a while, then dive down again. It would do this repeatedly, then go to the shore and spread out its wings to dry itself.

It has unmistakable orange and white markings on its face. It has green eyes and a black body with some brown feathers on the wings and back, a long bill that is hooked at the end, and webbed feet.