Hello, everyone! Along the seaside and riverbanks, you might encounter two birds, the Great Cormorant and the Japanese Cormorant. They seem similar but have some subtle differences. Let’s talk about how to distinguish them.
The Great Cormorant is about 81cm long. It’s a large, black waterbird living leisurely in rivers and lakes. These birds nest in trees with their fellows. They are glossy black overall, with beautiful emerald green eyes. During the breeding season, they sport white feathers on their heads and hips, adding a touch of style. Characteristically, they have a brownish back and a yellow base of the beak that extends to the throat. Moreover, their vision is excellent, allowing them to see clearly underwater.
The Japanese Cormorant is slightly larger, about 84cm. They live near the sea and are greenish-black. Their black feathers have a beautiful green sheen, and they are adept divers, capable of diving 8-15 meters. To identify the Japanese Cormorant, look at the yellow part at the base of their beak; it’s pointed, unlike the Great Cormorant’s. Also, the white part of their cheeks extends upwards towards the back of the head. In Japan, there are four types of cormorants, and the largest among them, the Japanese Cormorant, is famously used in cormorant fishing.
However, these differences can be hard to spot from a distance. Appearance can vary with the season, environment, and age, so even birdwatching professionals might find it challenging. But knowing these small differences can deepen our understanding of and closeness to nature’s creatures.
In Japan, the largest of the four types of cormorants, the Japanese Cormorant, is used in cormorant fishing. Their ability to submerge while floating makes them ideal for swimming freely underwater. However, their feathers are not very water-repellent, so they are often seen drying their wings on land.
Next time you spot a cormorant by the sea or river, try identifying these subtle differences. It can be a fun activity. See you next time!
