The endangered Socotra cormorant .. Facts and information

Weather of Arabia - the controversial Socotra cormorant bird , which appears on the coasts of some islands and coastal cities in huge flocks, as if it were a giant black bug rippling on the sand.

What is the Socotra cormorant?

The Socotra cormorant is considered a social bird. It lives in large flocks and is only seen near the coasts. It is distinguished by its thick, very black plumage. It is considered one of the rare birds facing the threat of extinction.

Socotra Cormorant .. Nutrition and reproduction

The Socotra cormorant feeds mainly on fish, and it has several breeding points in Qatar, the Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman, including the islands of Al Udeid, Al Safliya, Ras Rukn, and Al Alia Island in Qatar. It builds its nest from small branches and dry seaweed.

General information about black cormorants

• Socotra cormorants dive in the water to get food, and some reports indicate that they can stay underwater for up to three minutes at a time.
• In the 1980s, researchers found a flock of Socotra cormorants with a group of 250,000 birds.
• The Socotra cormorant is completely black in color, but turns purple during the breeding season.