storskarver

Storskarver is a Swedish term that translates to "great cormorants" in English. This refers to the bird species Phalacrocorax carbo, a large diving seabird found in coastal areas, lakes, and rivers across much of the Northern Hemisphere, including Sweden. Great cormorants are characterized by their long, hooked beaks, dark plumage (often appearing black or dark green and blue in sunlight), and a distinctively serpentine neck.

These birds are highly skilled fishers, using their excellent eyesight to locate prey underwater. They dive from the surface, propelling themselves with their webbed feet, and catch fish by pursuing them with remarkable agility. Their diet primarily consists of fish, though they may also consume crustaceans and amphibians. After fishing, storskarver are often seen perching with their wings outstretched, a behavior believed to aid in drying their feathers, as their plumage is not fully waterproof like that of many other seabirds.

In Sweden, storskarver are a common sight, particularly along coastlines and in freshwater bodies. They typically nest in colonies on cliffs or in trees near water. The species has experienced fluctuations in population over time, with conservation efforts sometimes implemented to manage their numbers in certain areas, especially where they are perceived to impact fish stocks significantly. Their presence is a natural part of the Swedish aquatic ecosystems.