phalacrocorax

Phalacrocorax is a genus of aquatic birds in the cormorant family Phalacrocoracidae. Found worldwide except Antarctica, they occupy coasts, rivers, and lakes. These seabirds are specialized fish-eaters, plunging from the air to pursue prey underwater and then drying their wings on shore.

Most species are dark-plumaged, with a long neck and a pointed bill. Breeding adults often show a pale throat patch or a white patch on the throat. Size varies among species, from medium to large; some have crests or distinctive facial markings.

They dive using their strong legs and webbed feet, swim underwater to capture fish, and surface to swallow prey. They are commonly gregarious, forming roosts and feeding flocks; many species breed in colonies on cliffs, islets, or trees near water.

Nests are built from sticks, placed near water in colonies. Clutch size typically 2–6 eggs; both parents incubate and feed the young. Juveniles may form creches while adults tend the brood.

The genus comprises about 40 species, including the great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) and the double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus). Some classifications split smaller species into Microcarbo. They inhabit temperate to tropical regions worldwide, with varying conservation statuses.