Great Cormorant

A dark, expert diver often seen spreading its wings on a rock or post. It is at home not only on the coast, but also on rivers running through the city.

A recording has not been added yet. Use the identification notes below for now.

I know this bird · Record a sighting Where to look & how to find it ↓

FIELDCRAFT · FIND WITH CARE

Finding guide

Start close to home

Choose the season, find the habitat, then watch patiently. Search guidance is not a measure of rarity or conservation status.

When to go: All year
Where to start: The Liffey, Grand Canal Dock, Howth and Dún Laoghaire harbours.
What to do when you arrive: Scan waterside posts and rocks for large dark birds drying their wings. Wait after a dive, then compare the heavy bill and build with Shag.

Habitat and behaviour reference: BirdWatch Ireland ↗ · The practical steps are editorial advice based on the references, not live sightings.

SPECIES NOTESSpecies notes

How to identify it

A bulky body, long neck and fairly thick hooked bill, with yellow facial skin and a whitish cheek. Young birds often have pale bellies. Larger and heavier than a Shag; wing-spreading alone is not diagnostic.

Habitat

Harbours, coasts, estuaries, rivers and lakes.

Behaviour

Dives to chase fish and often rests with wings outstretched. Nests colonially on cliffs, islands or in trees.

When to look

All year

Where to look

The Liffey, Grand Canal Dock, Howth and Dún Laoghaire harbours.

Reference photos do not show every sex, age, season or geographic form; use the identification notes too.

Recent encounters

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