Common Name: Great cormorant
Scientific Name: Phalacrocorax carbo
Nepali Name: Jalewa ( जलेवा )
Size: 80-100 cm
Location: Bairini, Dhading

Great cormorants are fairly common and a winter visitor. Found in elevation ranging from 75m to 1370m above sea level, they are seen around lakes and rivers.

The breeding adults have black plumage with white cheeks, and throat, a white patch on the thigh, a red dot on the base of the bill. The non-breeding Great cormorant will not be having white plumage on the head and the thigh.

They are generally seen standing on the rocks, or fallen trees near the shore. The can be seen diving underwater frequently for around 28 secs to catch fish.

Please feel free to comment below if the above species has been misidentified.