The Great Cormorant is a large waterbird, whose black plumage and use of perching posts make it one of the most easily recognised species in the UK. It is often seen with its wings outstretched to dry. They are excellent fishers and this had led to persecution in the past. They are colony nesters in trees and the colonies are easily recognisable.
The Uk holds an important breeding (c9000 pairs) and wintering population (c40000 birds)