(Part of the) common name of nearly all species of the family Phalacrocoracidae (order Pelecaniformes) and in the plural the general name for the family (± 30 species). Used without qualification (in Britain) for the most widely distributed species Phalacrocorax carbo or Common Cormorant (called Great Cormorant in America, and Black Cormorant in Australia). Another common name used for cormorants is 'shag'. The family is one of aquatic birds represented on the coasts almost all over the world and on many inland waters as well. They are of medium to large size (48 cm to ± 1 m) with long necks and bodies, and short legs which are set far back and have large totipalmate feet (see 'feet'). The bill is of moderate length and strongly hooked. The wings are relatively short, while the tail is rather long and very stiff. Cormorants have predominantly black plumages (some have mainly white below or are greyish), often with a greenish or bluish metallic sheen. The sexes are alike and crests and/or ornamental patches of white are common in breeding plumage. The food consists mainly of fish (crustaceans and small amphibians are also eaten) which are caught by underwater pursuit. They swim underwater without aid from the wings, except in braking. Usually they fly low above the water-surface with extended necks. When sitting, the posture is upright with the neck curved and often with extended wings for drying. Most cormorant species breed colonially. A remarkable member of the family is the big Flightless Cormorant of the Galápagos Islands which has reduced wings.

Alternative forms for cormorants : cormorant, shag.