Cormorants are coastal rather than oceanic birds, and some have colonized inland waters. The original ancestor of the cormorant seems to have been a fresh-water bird, judging from the habitat of the most ancient lineage. They range around the world, except for the central Pacific islands.
All cormorants are fish-eaters, dining on small eels, fish, and even water snakes. They dive from the surface, though many species make a characteristic half-jump as they dive, presumably to give themselves a more streamlined entry into the water. Under water they propel themselves with their feet. Some cormorant species have been found, using depth gauges, to dive to depths of as much as 150 feettttt.
After fishing, cormorants go ashore, and are frequently seen holding their wings out in the sun. All cormorants have preen gland secretions that are used ostensibly to keep the feathers waterproof.
Cormorants are colonial nesters, using trees, rocky islets, or cliffs. The eggs are a chalky-blue color. There is usually one brood a year. The young are fed through regurgitation.
These birds have the most incredible eyes, the color is very intense, very beautiful!
