The cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) always appears to me to be an odd looking, ungainly bird. There is something prehistoric, reptilian even, about it. When it swims it looks like it is sinking because its feathers don't trap air like a duck's and so it is less buoyant. This is to make it easier to dive and swim under water in search of its prey. When walking it has all the grace of a goose i.e. none. In flight, it has to be said, the cormorant flies directly and powerfully (and I imagine its underwater movement is elegant). When it holds its sagging wings out to dry after hunting it appears clownish. And when perched on trees it looks completely out of place when compared with other perching birds.
photo © T. Boughen Camera: Lumix FZ1000 2
