The Indian cormorant or Indian shag is a member of the cormorant family. It is found mainly along the inland waters of the Indian Subcontinent but extends west to Sind and east to Thailand and Cambodia. It is a gregarious species that can be easily distinguished from the similar sized little cormorant by its blue eyes, small head with a sloping forehead and a long narrow bill ending in a hooked tip.
Region
South Asia and mainland Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across the Indian Subcontinent, extending west to Sindh and east through Myanmar to Thailand and Cambodia. Favors inland freshwater habitats such as broad rivers, oxbow lakes, reservoirs, and marsh-lined tanks; also uses estuaries and sheltered coastal lagoons. Colonies often form in tall riverside trees near dependable water. Avoids fast, torrential mountain streams and prefers slow-moving or still waters with ample fish.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Indian shag, this medium-sized cormorant is common on large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs across the Indian Subcontinent and into mainland Southeast Asia. It is easily told from the similar little cormorant by its blue eyes, longer narrow bill with a hooked tip, and a sloping forehead. Birds often forage cooperatively and characteristically spread their wings to dry after diving.
In wing-drying posture
Temperament
social and gregarious
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady, rapid wingbeats; typically low over water
Social Behavior
Nests colonially, often in mixed heronries, building stick nests in riverside trees. Both sexes incubate and care for the young. Frequently roosts communally and forages in groups that may herd fish cooperatively.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet away from colonies. At breeding sites it gives low croaks, grunts, and guttural calls, especially during pair interactions and territorial disputes.
Plumage
Overall glossy dark brown to black with a subtle bronze sheen; upperparts can show a faint scaly effect. In breeding, fine white filoplumes may appear on the head and neck. Small head with a sloping forehead and long neck give a sleek profile.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small to medium-sized fish captured by pursuit diving. It propels itself underwater with powerful kicks, often staying submerged for several tens of seconds. Will also take aquatic invertebrates and occasional amphibians when available. Cooperative fishing is common, with birds driving schools of fish into shallows.
Preferred Environment
Forages in open reaches of slow rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and flooded wetlands, often near banks, weed beds, or submerged structures where fish congregate. Frequently uses perches such as snags and pilings between dives and to dry wings.
