The Science of Birds

Cormorants and Shags


Listen Later

In this episode—which is Number 99—we dive into the fascinating world of cormorants and shags, members of the avian family Phalacrocoracidae. These sleek, hook-billed birds are known for their distinctive silhouettes, often seen drying their wings on seaside cliffs or wetland trees. Cormorants and shags have a long history of varied human interactions, from being vilified and hunted to being revered and even trained to catch fish.

These birds are exceptional divers, utilizing their streamlined bodies and webbed feet to hunt underwater. Their feathers are less waterproof than those of other aquatic birds, which aids in diving but necessitates their iconic wing-drying behavior. Cormorants can be found across the world, thriving in diverse habitats from coastal cliffs to freshwater lakes.

They face significant conservation challenges. Human persecution and disturbances, habitat destruction, and climate change threaten several species, some of which are critically endangered.

Links of Interest

  • Brandt's Cormorants [VIDEO]


~~ Leave me a review using Podchaser ~~

Link to this episode on the Science of Birds website 

👕 Bird Merch —  Get yourself some bird shirts!

Support the show

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Science of BirdsBy Ivan Phillipsen

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

768 ratings


More shows like The Science of Birds

View all
BirdNote Daily by BirdNote

BirdNote Daily

1,189 Listeners

Living Planet by DW

Living Planet

123 Listeners

Outside/In by NHPR

Outside/In

1,455 Listeners

Nature Guys by Nature Guys

Nature Guys

520 Listeners

The American Birding Podcast by American Birding Association

The American Birding Podcast

635 Listeners

The Common Descent Podcast by Common Descent

The Common Descent Podcast

697 Listeners

In Defense of Plants Podcast by In Defense of Plants

In Defense of Plants Podcast

1,217 Listeners

Ologies with Alie Ward by Alie Ward

Ologies with Alie Ward

23,666 Listeners

All Creatures Podcast by All Creatures Podcast

All Creatures Podcast

504 Listeners

The Wild with Chris Morgan by KUOW News and Information

The Wild with Chris Morgan

3,258 Listeners

Crime Pays But Botany Doesn't by Tony Santore

Crime Pays But Botany Doesn't

514 Listeners

Native Plants, Healthy Planet by Pinelands Nursery, Bleav

Native Plants, Healthy Planet

293 Listeners

Completely Arbortrary by Completely Arbortrary

Completely Arbortrary

1,220 Listeners

The Warblers by Birds Canada by Andrea Gress for Birds Canada

The Warblers by Birds Canada

38 Listeners

Plant People by New York Botanical Garden

Plant People

155 Listeners