Anhingas will migrate towards the equator during winter but this range is "determined by the amount of sunshine to warm the chilled birds". 2023 This site is owned and operated by BirdAdviser. Pelicans, unlike many other birds, possess lobed lungs that help to take in even more air. Swans can immerse themselves by burying their heads and necks underneath the water and propelling themselves ahead with their muscular legs. Can pandas swim underwater? This species maximum proportions include an estimated head-to-tail dimension of 4.7 feet (1.44 meters) and a wingspan of 12.0 feet (3.65 meters). Continue with Recommended Cookies, Last Updated on October 19, 2022 by Lily Aldrin. Its a thing to behold to witness such birds diving and swimming beneath the ocean! [14], The female anhinga is similar to the male except that it has a pale gray-buff[15] or light brown[16] head, neck, and upper chest. Fun Fact: Day old Avocets can walk, swim, and even dive to escape predators. They also displace native ecosystems due to their voracious appetite, which requires up to 8 pounds (3.6 kg) of aquatic vegetation per day! Their plumage is extremely oily, which aids in keeping them waterproof. Since their wings are smaller in proportion to the size and weight of their bodies, they have a more rapid wingbeat than puddle ducks. harrisburg escape room; amtrak express shipping 2021; modeling synonyms and antonyms. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'learnbirdwatching_com-leader-2','ezslot_11',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-learnbirdwatching_com-leader-2-0');Diving ducks swim underwater to find food. [21] Because an anhinga in the drying position resembles a male turkey, it has been colloquially referred to as the 'water turkey' or 'swamp turkey'. A medium-sized, stout water bird that is a buffy brown color. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'learnbirdwatching_com-leader-4','ezslot_13',121,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-learnbirdwatching_com-leader-4-0');Shearwaters also have a number of other adaptations that help them when diving, including a large oil gland that helps them stay warm in cold waters and a layer of air-filled cells called pneumatization that keep their brains oxygenated even when they are submerged. darktable alternative There are many species of birds that have mastered swimming and diving that can be broken up into different families and groups- many of which appear on this list! Gangly water birds with a long tail and neck. Kettles of anhingas often migrate with other birds and have been described as resembling black paper gliders. Then it will take some deep breaths prior to actually jumping back in for the next catch. The dives are normally brief, however, the birds may dive lasting up to a min if necessary. BirdAdviser also participates in affiliate programs with B&H, Adorama, Clickbank, CJ, and other affiliate sites. Some birds, however, are unable tofly, while others are constrained to a living on the ground or primarily limited to the sky. However, this doesnt mean that they are averse to diving on occasion, they will dive to catch food or evade predators. While swans are mostly known for their seemingly graceful glide across bodies of water, they are actually quite versatile in their movement and can swim underwater when needed. Ducks use their webbed feet as paddles to propel themselves through the water. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Sign up for my weekly emails and and receive my 179 page eBook "Bird Feeding Secrets" in your inbox. They can remain underwater for approximately15 seconds and are very well suited to swimming and diving. Flocks of them will sometimes swim in circles together to help stir up food! Source: Wikipedia. The colored wing patches of these birds lack the brilliance of the speculums of puddle ducks. At first glance, they appear quite like a duck, but they are actually more related to Sandhill Cranes! 7. In this article, we will explore 17 birds that swim underwater, with photos and information on each. In fact, Lewis and Clark initially called them whistling swans when they first encountered them, and many people still use this name today. You will most often see them foraging at dawn or dusk, as they prefer to stay out of sight during most of the day. These dives are meant to stun the surrounding fish, which then are scooped up with their enormous throat pouch and swallowed whole. A coating of air-filled cells is called pneumatization, which keeps the brain nourished and oxygenatedeven while underwater.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'birdadviser_com-medrectangle-1','ezslot_13',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-birdadviser_com-medrectangle-1-0');report this ad. These common water birds are found in freshwater marshes, lakes, and slow-moving rivers across South Carolina. Anhinga species are found all over the world in warm shallow waters. Since many of them have short tails, their huge, paddle feet may be. The first time I heard the skeow call of an alarmed Green Heron in the marsh behind my house, I had no idea what I heard because it was so unique. And to ensure the slippery fish doesnt escape once caught, loons have rear-facing projections inside their mouth that sink in and provide a tight grip. The most common call is a loud, wailing kuk-kuk-kuk-kaow-kaow, which slows down at the end. Blue-winged Teal are a popular species for hunters, although the number of birds taken per year is monitored closely to ensure the population stays strong. The webbed feet of geese contribute to their ability to swim and dive. Loons diving abilities allow them to remain underwater even in severe currents. Grebes. Boobies typically hunt in large flocks, so there is always someone watching for prey below the surface. Geese. Penguins. Brown body with a pale white chest and underparts. It has the ability to run along the stream bed underwater, being held down by the current. They can swim about 20 feet (6 meters) underneath the water and stay down for around thirty seconds. The puffin will emerge upon catching a fish and consume it head foremost. Even females, which look similar to female Mallards, should stand out because they are noticeably smaller! The nickname "water turkey " is simultaneously fitting and unfitting for this bird. They can hold their breath for a few minutes and dive to the bottom of a lake or river to get food. In America, Pelicans are very common in Southern States like Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. Only birds that live in the extreme north and south of their range migrate and do so based on temperature and available sunlight. Look for these ducks in shallow ponds and rivers in summer, while in winter, they move to unfrozen lakes or bays. They may dive to depths of at least 160 feet. Appearance-wise, Hooded Mergansers are one of my favorite water birds. Males give a 3-part nasal whistle (whew-whew-whew) at any time of the year, which sort of sounds like a kazoo (listen below)! Large, entirely white water bird with a long white neck. O ne of the most graceful sights in the animal world is a penguin swimming underwater. They almost exclusively use holes that were excavated by Northern Flickers, and on occasion, Pileated Woodpeckers. 2022. They tend to stick to shallower areas near the edges of lakes and ponds. Water diving birds include cormorants, grebes, penguins, puffins, and gannets, among others. The Atlantic Puffin's genus name Fratercula means "little brother . This enables them to scavenge for meals in ocean depths where many other birds are unable to reach. However, in this piece, we will discuss the birds which can dive and swim in the water. One thing that amazes me about Sandhill Cranes is how long they live. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources - Rembert C. Dennis Building
They can dive to depths of several feet in search of food or shelter. But these large aquatic birds are also impressive divers and swimmers, capable of staying underwater for long periods of time while hunting for fish. The dives are typically short, but the birds can swim underwater for up to a minute if they need to. The bill of the anhinga is pointed, while the bill of the cormorant has a hook-tip. Adult size: 14 to 22 inches. In fact, the majority of their time spent in the water is usually spent floating rather than diving. It nests in dense colonies, in holes in dirt or sand banks. Atlantic Puffins truly are remarkable birds. 802,830. These water birds get their name from the beautiful blue shoulder patch that is only visible in flight! This is the first slide. They hunt underwater by sight and have vision adaptations that allow them to see quite clearly when submerged. Geese can also dive and swim submerged due to their robust respiratory system. Anhinga - Female. Scientific name: Cardinalis cardinalis Length: 8.3-9.1 in Weight: 1.5-1.7 oz Wingspan: 9.8-12.2 in. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. Photo: Dick Dickinson/Audubon Photography Awards, Breeding adult male. They appear similar to a duck from a distance, but upon closer investigation, you will see a short, chunky bill and a blocky-looking head. [7], The anhinga is a large bird, measuring approximately 89cm (35in) in length (with a range of 7595cm (3037in)), with a 1.14m (3.7ft) wingspan. The pygmy rattlesnake is the smallest venomous snake in South Carolina, reaching 14 to 22 inches in length by adulthood. This is one of the few water bird species in South Carolina you may see in a tree! They sit low in the water. The smallest of our swallows, the Bank Swallow is usually seen in flocks, flying low over ponds and rivers with quick, fluttery wingbeats. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The anhinga is placed in the darter family, Anhingidae, and is closely related to Indian (Anhinga melanogaster), African (Anhinga rufa), and Australian (Anhinga novaehollandiae) darters. Mourning Dove. The Donnalley Wildlife Management Area, located in Colleton County, South Carolina, has an abandoned farmhouse that's haunting to behold. Both males and females weigh just under . Residentially, they also visit parks, golf courses, and backyards provided that they are fairly open so that the bird feels safe. [18], Anhingas swim with their webbed feet and pursue their prey, fish, under water and spear their prey by rapidly stretching out their neck. When you think of an aquatic bird, ducks are probably some of the first birds that come to mind. Table of Contents. Where Grebes can be found: Grebes tend to prefer freshwater environments, but are occasionally found in marine or ocean environments during migration or the winter season. Height: 75 to 110 cm (30 to 43 in) Wingspan: 127-185 cm (50-73 in) if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'birdadviser_com-leader-4','ezslot_14',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-birdadviser_com-leader-4-0'); Shearwaters may swim and diveunderwater for more than15 mins at levels of about70 meters. Ducks can be found in the wild, but are also commonly kept as pets or livestock animals. They spend most of their time at sea, only coming to land to breed. Large water bird with a very long bill and neck. Most of the time, they will either be motionless or moving very slowly through the water, looking for their prey. They like temperate, cold seas and might be spotted in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. The American dipper (Cinclus mexicanus) is a small songbird of the genus Cinclus. The Carolina Chickadee eats ants, beetles, caterpillars, and spiders, among other small invertebrates. Waste or Abuse to SC Inspector General. 6. After catching a fish, the puffin will surface and swallow it head first. [13] The back of the head and the neck have elongated feathers that have been described as gray[14] or light purple-white. Can swim up to 12 mph and can run 18 mph. Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach. A long, strong tail helps propels the otter through the water. WATCH FOX 57 South Carolina DNR and South Carolina Electric & Gas provide a Purple Martin Bird Sanctuary located on a small island on Lake Murray. Where Loons can be found: There are five species of Loon that can be found in freshwater bodies throughout North America and much of Northern Eurasia. Three weeks after hatching, the first juvenile feathers appear. Males give a short, clear, repeated whistle, which is a unique sound for a duck if you ask me! Diving-petrels use their wings as paddles to help them swim underwater and can move quite quickly, reaching speeds of up to 6 kilometers per hour. Seabrook Island, SC 29455. The cormorant jumps into the waters, gets the fish, and returns it to the ship, in which the operator collects it. Their wings are waterproof, and their body is coated in an oily coating that reduces drag. Natural Swimming Areas are required to take two water samples per month during the swimming season. Their call is not very musical. They can stay submerged for up to 15 minutes and sometimes more, and dive to depths of up to 34 meters. Loons are known for their distinctive calls, which can be heard from miles away across a quiet lake. Because they live in cooler climates, only states like Maine and Alaska tend to be suitable for Puffins. Both sexes have a green patch on their wing, which is visible in flight and most of the time when resting. Gannets are a kind of seabird famous for their acrobatic dances. Im sure you probably recognize these water birds, as they are very comfortable living around people and development. They can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes. Where Pelicans can be found: There are eight species of Pelicans that can be found throughout the world excluding Antarctica. Diving petrels are one of the few birds that swim underwater. They have specific modifications that enable them to float over the water with ease. The Act provides that persons desiring to remove, displace, or destroy submerged archaeological property or paleontological property must first obtain a . The lower chest or breast is a chestnut color, and the back is browner than that of the male. When hatchlings leave the nest for the first time, they often have to make a giant leap of faith (up to 50 feet) to the ground below! They candive to a depth of almost 20 feet (6 meters) below the surface and remain submerged for about 30 seconds. Listen for a repertoire of vocalizations, which all signify something. Northern Cardinals are among the most recognizable and common backyard birds in North America. Snow Birds: 10 Birds to Look for in Winter By Justine E. Hausheer You can find dippers on mountain streams year-round. Penguins expertly chase down their marine prey which includes animals like fish, krill and squid. The great cormorant is uncommon on coastal North Carolina and north from there, but the vast majority of cormorants on the East Coast are double . [3], This bird is often mistaken for the double-crested cormorant due to its similar size and shape, although the two species can be differentiated by their tails and bills. Six of the ten species of Coots are from Southern or Central America. They are found in virtually any wetland habitat, no matter where its located. 1. In fact, gannets can stay underwater for up to two minutes! Penguins are typically associated with Antarctica, but many species live in warmer, more temperate climates like South Africa and South America. [4] They weigh on average around 1.22kg (2.7lb), with a range of 1.041.35kg (2.33.0lb). Terns are usually white in color with some black markings on their wings. The jacanas (sometimes referred to as Jesus birds or lily trotters) are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae. They possess unique feathers on both their wings and bodies that allow them to remainunderwater for extended periods of time. Manage Settings Anhingas have several adaptations that allow them to stay submerged for long periods of time. A large, dark water bird with a long neck, silver wings, a long tail, and a pointed bill. In fact, it looks like an artist used every color to paint a duck that has green, red, orange, lime, yellow, buff, rose, brown, tan, black, white, gray, purple, and blue coloring. #6. On a side note, they have ADORABLE babies, which have cute black and white faces. To locate food, they normally dive to deeper parts of roughly 20 meters and have been reported to swim as far as Sixty meters. Our river otters are given a variety of foods to keep their instincts sharp (enrichment). But what you may not know is that these birds can also dive under the water to catch their prey. Image size. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'learnbirdwatching_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_9',122,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-learnbirdwatching_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Penguins have several adaptations that allow them to dive so deep. Boobies typically nest on remote islands or coastlines, making them difficult for predators to reach. They frequently stay down for 20 to 30 seconds and have also been reported to swim to depths of about 60 meters (197 ft). This extra air helps pelicans stay underwater for up to 20 minutes at a time. Completely black except for yellow-orange skin around the base of the bill. The American alligator can grow up to 11.2 feet (3.4 meters) long and weigh nearly half a ton (1,000 lbs. White bodies and red legs. October 9, 2012 at 6:12 pm. Though they have curved, turkey -like necks, these birds are primarily black or dark brown, and quite lean bodied. They can swim about18 meters deep in looking for food, which mainly consists of amphibians, fish, and crabs. Despite their excellent diving abilities, gannets do not always grab prey. Lets take a quick look at some pictures of 10 birds that swim underwater and learn a little about each one. Asia. They are so dark you may think they're black. When launching into flight, most of this group patter along the water before becoming airborne. These beautiful herons will often use their yellow feet to stir up water or mud to help them uncover hiding invertebrates, amphibians, or fish. They are common in many types of aquatic habitats, including streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds. Their feathers get soaked upon immersion in water. Some of the most common include the brown pelican, great blue heron, double-crested cormorant, and the osprey. . Diving-Petrels. While they are relatively quiet, they make a hoarse trumpet sound when defending their territory. Lastly, I find it interesting that White Ibis chicks are born with completely straight bills. [9][10][11] The bill is relatively long (about twice the length of the head), sharply pointed, and yellow, and the webbed feet are yellow as well. Habitat: These birds prefer open areas, such as parks, fields, or meadows. However, you may be surprised to learn that all these species can dive underwater to get their meal. The National Audubon Society was actually formed in response to help protect these birds from being slaughtered. The American dipper is found in western North America, from Alaska to central Mexico. Gannets can actually stay underwater for roughly two mins!if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'birdadviser_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-birdadviser_com-banner-1-0'); The diving capability of the gannet helps it to hunt efficiently in both shallow and deep seas. November 7, 2022 by Alex C. Huhn. Entirely black, except for a white sloping bill. They are only 12-15 inches (31-39 cm) in length and weigh between 5 and 18 ounces (140-510 g). Snow Geese spend their time in the continents northernmost areas during the breeding season, away from human civilization. . Interestingly, their bill has over 100 tiny projections on the edges called lamellae that help filter out the food they want to eat. [25], The anhinga is protected in the US under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. It has an average wingspan of 50 cm (19.7 inches) and weighs about 500 grams. These aquatic birds can spend up to 30-70 seconds underwater, and have been known to dive as deep as 45 meters.Cormorants use their powerful wings to help them dive quickly and swim smoothly through the water. The Sub-Antarctic wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans) has the greatest wingspan of any bird. Cormorants form breeding colonies near water, on islands or in trees, often in the company of other water birds. My guess is that almost everyone is familiar with the Mallard. For cormorants, diving to catch a meal is all in a days work. Diet: Carnivorous. Gannets are a type of seabird that is known for its aerial acrobatics. Media Releases. They have also been observed to swim to depths of up to 7 meters. They are all types of waterfowl. For this reason, they are often called snakebirds. Cormorants dive from the surface and swim under water. Their diet consists of fish, shellfish, mollusks and aquatic plants. The colored wing patches of these birds lack the brilliance of the speculums of puddle ducks. In late winter to early spring, its possible to hear the males make a squeaky whistle. Visit any lake, river, or wetland, and you are almost certain to see some type of bird in the water, whether its a duck searching for food in the shallows or a heron stalking prey along the shore. This enables them to scavenge for meals in ocean depths where many other birds are unable to reach.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'birdadviser_com-leader-3','ezslot_12',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-birdadviser_com-leader-3-0'); Diving petrels utilize their wings like oars to dive beneath the water and may travel at rates of about6 kilometers per hour. Grebes use their powerful wings to propel themselves through the water, and they are also able to use their wings to steer while underwater. They are able to do this by using their specially adapted wings, which act as efficient paddles, allowing them to propel themselves through the water. They spend up to half their time foraging underwater, looking for aquatic invertebrates and crustaceans, which they eat while still submerged. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'birdadviser_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-birdadviser_com-leader-1-0'); To look for food, diving ducks dive down into the ocean. However, regardless of the diving methods, diving birds plunge into the water either from flights or . Their wings have evolved specifically for swimming, with long, pointed tips that help them cut through the water. Both sexes have purple-blue secondary feathers on their wing, which is most visible when they are standing or flying. However, you may be surprised to learn that all these species can dive underwater to get their meal. Their claws are powerful, which allows them to perch and grasp onto branches! Large white bird with black tips on its wings. Physical Characteristics: Heavyset, medium-sized seabird with a short neck, stout body, large head, and long wings; bill is stout and hooked, with two nasal tubes on the top edge; color is primarily gray on the wings with white undersides, similar to large gulls; some are pale to dark gray all over. But luckily, these sounds are easy to learn, and now I can easily identify these herons when Im visiting most wetlands. Theyre are actually in the same taxonomic family as ducks, making them distant cousins! Atlantic puffins could be observed diving through into the ocean from far above in summer and fall to capture fish. These species, sometimes called waterbirds or aquatic birds, can be located in both freshwater settings such as rivers, lakes, and streams and saltwater areas such as the ocean, or even both! A Step-By-Step Guide! In the animal kingdom, some birds are masters of the sky, while others are equally skilled in water. 5. Mute Swans are one of the most elegant and beautiful birds you will see in the water. In addition, pelicans have a layer of fat under their skin that helps keep them warm in cold water. The neck is commonly drawn into their body. They can be found in both rural and urban areas where they eat mainly seeds, insects, berries, eggs, and small animals. Its hard to misidentify these striking water birds when seen in South Carolina. These social water birds dont like to be alone. They also have a very efficient circulatory system that helps conserve oxygen while they are underwater. Preservation Station. Look for a greenish area between their eyes and the base of the bill. A 10 minute easy walk to the beach will show a fascinating view of old trees uprooted and is a visual permanent memory. They may be spotted on both the east and west coasts of North America. Mallards are extremely comfortable around people, which is why these adaptable ducks are so widespread. 2023 BIRD WATCHING HQ BECCA PARO DESIGN CO. Types of Geese and Swans in North America! Anhinga (, Last edited on 25 December 2022, at 15:26, 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22696702A93581588.en, Birdlife of Houston, Galveston, and the Upper Texas Coast, Energetics and Spread-Winged Behavior of Anhingas in Florida, https://sta.uwi.edu/fst/lifesciences/sites/default/files/lifesciences/images/Anhinga%20anhinga%20-%20Anhinga%20or%20Snake-bird.pdf, "Birds Protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anhinga&oldid=1129473701, This page was last edited on 25 December 2022, at 15:26. Chinese . They normally dive approximately 20 inches deep but may reach as down as three feet if necessary. [8][9] The A. a. anhinga subspecies is larger than A. a. leucogaster and has broader buffy tail tips. By Jmleisgang. The record long-range flight of a bird species in a single . Common foods include fish, frogs, reptiles, small mammals, and even other birds. It is the only member of the genus endemic to North America. [17], The hatchling starts out bald but gains tan down within a few days of hatching. Adhering to are several of the other birds that swim underwater: Cormorants. But in this article, well be focusing on birds that have the ability to swim underwater. 650. Unlike Penguins, Puffins can fly and swim. Keep Bird Feeders Clean and Backyard Birds Safe. Cattle Egrets are a bit unique when compared to other water birds in South Carolina. They typically dive to depths of around 20 meters to find food, but have been known to dive as deep as 60 meters. Although they can be found more inland, the best spot to see these water birds in South Carolina is near the coast. Phone Numbers | Accessibility |
1.1 Gannets; 1.2 Boobies; An interesting behavior observed with Northern Shovelers is their ability to "team up" to find food. Birds. 06 of 14. With seemingly no effort, they rocket around using their wings to "fly" through the ocean. [email protected], Report
They are almost perfectly adapted for life in the water, and you will seldom see them out of it. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'learnbirdwatching_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-learnbirdwatching_com-banner-1-0');Boobies are amazing birds that can swim and dive underwater to catch prey. Like those of all other diving ducks, the legs of bay ducks are situated at the back of the ducks' bodies, rather than in the middle, as with dabbling ducks. Underwater they swim by paddling with both feet simultaneously in a gait that includes long glides between consecutive strokes. Pelicans travel and often hunt in flocks or groups. But dont let this fact fool you into thinking they cant swim, because they are EXCELLENT swimmers. They are losing nest sites due to logging, but they do take readily to properly installed nest boxes. Males have lighter brown heads and yellowish-green bills. To this day, the Great Egret serves as the symbol for the organization. Grebes are diving birds that are far more comfortable in water than on land. Interestingly, indigestible parts dont pass through their digestive system but instead are regurgitated as pellets! Its hard to fathom how many birds are traveling together! These swimming birds can stay submerged for up to 30 to 70 seconds and have been seen to swim as far as 45 meters. Their short bill provides a lot of power to help pluck vegetation with ease! Terns are expert flyers and can dive underwater for a couple of seconds to catch fish. A well-known spot of ruins in the Palmetto State is also Castle Pinckney. Their food is almost always swallowed whole, regardless of size. In fact, ducks spend most of their time in the water but they do occasionally come out of the water to do things like lay eggs, sleep, or waddle about. An interesting behavior observed with Northern Shovelers is their ability to team-up to find something to eat. Nature & Wildlife Areas. Wingspan: 34.6-37.4 inches. Males produce a high whistled tsee-tsee.. Cormorants utilize their strong beaks to take fish directly out from the water after theyve located it. Their range keeps slowly expanding as people convert land for farming and livestock. If you have ever driven or walked along the coast and have seen a large, black or dark brown bird perched on a rock with its wings spread out- you have probably seen a Cormorant!