January 2026 - Week 1 Roundup

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Cormorants ( mixed flock )

Sighted on: 05.January.2026

The highlight of the week was the presence of a mixed flock of cormorants—comprising Greater, Indian and Little cormorants—along the river adjacent to the resort. There are several reasons why these birds congregate in large flocks.

Cormorants are not fully waterproof; their feathers become wet when they dive, which means they must spend time out of the water drying off, especially in the cold winter air. On winter mornings, they huddle tightly on exposed perches such as rocks, dead trees or posts to conserve body heat and reduce heat loss. Being in a large group helps them stay warmer than if they were alone, which is particularly important in the early hours of the day when temperatures are at their lowest.

There is also safety in numbers. A large flock acts as a strong defence against predators such as eagles, large gulls or mammals. With many eyes keeping watch, cormorants can detect danger sooner and take off together, making it harder for a predator to single out one bird. They often choose roost sites that are difficult to access—such as islands or areas over water—and gather there at night and in the morning, only spreading out to feed once the light improves and the risk is lower.

Efficient feeding is another key factor. In winter, cormorants move to areas with reliable food sources, such as ice-free rivers, lakes, estuaries or coastal waters where fish are concentrated. They assemble in large numbers near these rich feeding grounds so they can quickly exploit schools of fish when they appear. On a winter morning, they often leave the roost together in a loose flock, flying to nearby waters to dive for fish. After a few hours of feeding, many return to the same roost to rest, dry their wings and wait for the next feeding opportunity.

Content Creator / Photographer:

Shanmuga Kumar

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