An overview of Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo in the Indian Himalayan Region, with information on Recent Records

摘要

Phalacrocorax carbo, commonly known as great cormorantare sighted along the water-bodies is generallydistinguished from little cormorant (Microcarboniger) inreference to their body size. Only during the breedingseason, great cormorants are prominently distinguishablefrom the laterforits breeding plumage. The breeding adultsare glossy black, with orange facial skin, white cheeks andthroats, white head plumes and white thigh patches,noticeable only during flight. The white head plumes andthigh patches are not present in the blackish-brown nonbreedingbirds which are easily identif iable from its yellowgularpouch.