Why this prehistoric-looking bird intentionally lets its feathers get soaked in the water

Nature · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Great Cormorant is a master of the deep, yet it lacks the waterproof plumage of most waterbirds. Instead of a liability, this sogginess is a strategic advantage, reducing buoyancy to help the bird dive and hunt. When finished, it simply spreads its wings to dry in the sun.

The Great Cormorant, or Phalacrocorax carbo, is a large, blocky waterbird with a nearly reptilian appearance. While many birds rely on oil glands to keep their feathers dry and buoyant, the cormorant’s plumage has limited waterproofing. This evolutionary trade-off allows the bird to become less buoyant during dives, enabling it to dart through the water with greater agility while hunting for bottom-dwelling fish. Once back on land, it is frequently seen standing on rocks or jetties with its wings outstretched, a behavior that likely helps it dry its feathers, regulate body temperature, and potentially aid in the digestion of its prey.

These birds are remarkably widespread, inhabiting coastal cliffs, islands, and increasingly, inland rivers and lakes across the globe. In North America, they are often found along the northeastern shoreline, where they are distinguished from the more abundant Double-crested Cormorant by their larger size, thicker bill, and, during the breeding season, distinct white patches on the throat and thighs. Their physical adaptations are equally specialized; for instance, the claw of their middle toe is pectinated—serrated like a comb—which researchers believe is used for preening their feathers.

The relationship between humans and cormorants has been complex for centuries. In parts of China, Japan, and Europe, fishermen historically harnessed the birds' natural hunting prowess by placing tethered rings around their necks to prevent them from swallowing large catches. Despite this history of domestication, they remain wild, resilient survivors. Some individuals have been recorded living for over two decades, and their ability to thrive in diverse environments—from urban canals to remote Atlantic headlands—highlights their status as one of the most successful and adaptable seabirds in the world.

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