The Cormorant is found in suitable habitat throughout most of Europe, Asia, in Australia and New Zealand and in eastern North America. The sub-species found in Australasia is P. c. novaehollandiae.

It is found on coasts and inland on lakes, swamps, rivers and other aquatic habitats whether salt or fresh water. Photo 2 was taken on Lake Dove near Cradle Mountain, Tasmania.

It is black with a bluish-green gloss and a tinge of bronze on the wings. The bare skin at the base of the mandible is yellow surrounded by white. This looks clearer during the breeding season when the plumage also acquires a white thigh patch as can just be seen in photos 1 and 2.

Photos of the nominate sub-species found in North America and the British Isles can be found here.