Common Name: Great (Black) Cormorant

Distribution: The most widespread member of the cormorant family with a range that includes North America, Europe, Africa, China, India, Southeast Asia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Australia. It occurs throughout most of Australia but is more numerous in the south-east and south-west.

Ecological Notes: Habitat preference for extensive areas of permanent freshwater, however, the it is not confined to these and is often observed on coastal inlets and estuaries.This species feeds mainly on fish, but also predates crustaceans, various aquatic insects and frogs. 

Additional Notes: It is an excellent swimmer and captures its food in shallow underwater dives, normally lasting up to one minute, swimming and pursuing prey using its webbed feet.

References: Atlas of Living Australia at Great Cormorant Accessed 13 August 2023.
Wikipedia at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_cormorant Accessed 13 August 2023.