Great Cormorant

Large cormorant found nearly worldwide. Note large size, white patch on throat, and lack of crest. Breeding adults show circular white patch on flanks. Immatures typically have contrasting white belly; African "White-breasted" also has extensive white underparts in all plumages. Often spotted standing on rocks or pilings. Dives frequently, feeding on fish. Found in many types of water bodies, ranging from rivers to reservoirs to marine environments; in North America, restricted to coastal North Atlantic.

The Great Cormorant breeds in Sri Lanka along the coast and in fresh water habitats. They often nest in colonies near wetlands, rivers, and sheltered inshore waters.

Great cormorants in Sri Lanka eat fish, crustaceans, amphibians, and sometimes small birds. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume any fish they can catch that is the right size.