The Great Cormorant - Phalacrocorax carbo - is the largest Australian cormorant (80 to 85 centimetres long, span 1.3 to 1.5 metres). Black with yellow throat and face with dull white edging to the yellow facial patch. Breeding birds have a bright white edge to facial patch, a slight crest and a white thigh stripe.
Lives solitary or in small groups. Flies in long lines, sometimes in "V" formations, with rapid wingbeats between glides.
Lives in large expanses of fresh or salt water; most abundant in coastal estuaries, bays, lagoons and inland on deep rivers, lakes, swamps and floodwaters. Uncommon on small or shallow water.
Common throughout most of Australia, wherever suitable habitat exists.
Previously called the "Black" or "Large Black" Cormorant.
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