Riyadh: The great cormorant, an aquatic bird known for its wide distribution globally, has been observed along the coasts of the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea. This bird, while having resident populations in regions such as southern and eastern Africa, India, and Australia, migrates southward during winter from northern areas to warmer climates, including significant parts of the Arabian Peninsula.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the great cormorant is a common visitor during winter in the Kingdom, though it is less frequently seen in summer. During the winter months, it is prevalent along the Arabian Gulf coasts and nearby wetlands, with smaller populations residing in the inland wetlands and along the Red Sea coastline.
The great cormorant shows a preference for calm coastal waters, including bays and sheltered straits, and is also found in freshwater and brackish wetlands. Inland water bodies rich in fish provide additional habitats for these birds.
Though the bird typically hunts alone, it is often observed in large congregations consisting of hundreds of individuals. In the Eastern Region, roosts have been recorded with numbers exceeding 1,000 birds. Despite its slow movement on land, the great cormorant is agile in water, being an adept swimmer and diver. Its powerful flight is marked by slow, strong wingbeats, and it possesses an impressive wingspan of 130 to 160 centimeters.