Ad sdr. Mellemskarv (Greater Cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis)

A selection of a few of the common species of birds at Gedser - for our wonderful Australian ringers.
Large size - could resemble a goose for the untrained birder - but its entire black plumage - often instantly identify it as a cormorant. This is the subspecies "sinensis" which breeds e.g. in Denmark.
Note the rather white head and neck, the white "thigh" spot - and the gular pouch angle is a useful tool in identifying the subspecies of "carbo" and "sinensis".
Identification of carbo and sinensis - tips here:
http://web.tiscali.it/cormorants/pdf/Stuart_ardea2004.pdf
Gedser Odde 01/04 2012
Copyright © Louis A. Hansen