BioKIDS home

Kids' Inquiry of Diverse Species

cormorants

Phalacrocoracidae

Cormorants are found worldwide. There are about 36 species, all of which look very much alike, with long bodies, usually covered in black feathers, a bill with a hooked tip, and feet placed far back on the body. They are waterbirds that catch fish and other aquatic animals by chasing them underwater. They propel themselves with their feet underwater. Cormorants are often found in large groups and are commonly seen roosting on structures near large bodies of water with their wings extended. They extend their wings either to dry the feathers after diving or to warm their bodies.

 
University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyNational Science Foundation

BioKIDS home  |  Questions?  |  Animal Diversity Web

. "Phalacrocoracidae" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed May 20, 2024 at http://localhost:2015/accounts/Phalacrocoracidae/

BioKIDS is sponsored in part by the Interagency Education Research Initiative. It is a partnership of the University of Michigan School of Education, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, and the Detroit Public Schools. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant DRL-0628151.
Copyright © 2002-2024, The Regents of the University of Michigan. All rights reserved.

University of Michigan