Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) numbers and distribution
This species is very widespread in Europe and west Asia and there are important
concentrations in many parts of Africa (Figure1). The biggest Western Palearctic wintering
concentrations of Great Cormorant have been counted in the Western Black Sea and East
Mediterranean region, the south Caspian Sea in Azerbaijan and especially Iran and
Turkmenistan. There are a number of important sites in southern Europe and rather fewer in
northern and western Europe
The most important site for Great Cormorant in Iran is The Caspian Sea Coast where a peak
count of 26,100 has been recorded between Chalus and Babolsar (Table 1). The Persian Gulf
also holds high numbers and 8,000 were counted at Abu Ali and nearly 6,000 at Tarout Bay
in Saudi Arabia, with similar numbers at two sites on the Iranian side, and further to the
southeast at Barr al Hikman in Oman. In the East Mediterranean region, there were 22,500
Great Cormorants at Lake Manzala, Egypt in 1990, 10,200 at Kucuk Cekmece and 9,300 at
the Meric Delta, Turkey. In Greece the highest peak count was 7,200 at the Evros Delta in
1998. Bulgaria is a stronghold of Great Cormorants and the highest count recorded in Europe
was at Srebarna Lake in 2001, when 10,000 were counted. The Danube Delta, in Romania
and Skadar Lake on the border between Montenegro and Albania have recorded peak counts
between 7,500 and 8,500 birds. Further west in Italy and Spain, high peak counts have been
recorded at Oristiano (7,800) and Albufera (8,700), respectively. Sardinia and Tunisia also
hold high numbers with a notable peak being 15,000 at Bahiret el Bibene, Tunisia in 1992.
Further north in Europe, the highest counts have been made in The Netherlands (6,200 at
Ijsselmeer in 2002) and Switzerland (4,900 at Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) in 1992).
In Sub-Saharan Africa the highest numbers have been recorded in Namibia and Mauritania,
where 36,500 at Ichaboe Island, Namibia and 25,362 at the Banc d’Arguin, Mauritania are
among the highest counts of this species ever recorded.
Figure 1: Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo. Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at
sites in Europe, Africa, West and Central Asia where 100 or more have been recorded.
Table 1: Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo: Peak counts between 1990 and 2005 at sites in
Europe, Africa, West and Central Asia where 2,000 or more have been recorded.
Country
Sitename
Belgium
Tamines (Étangs)
Bulgaria
Bulgaria
Year
Count
Type
January
Source
1997
2295
IWC-database
Srebarna Lake
2001
10000
January
IWC-database
Ovcharitza Ovcharitsa
1995
8020
January
IWC-database
Bulgaria
Burgas Lake (Vaya)
2000
6092
January
IWC-database
Bulgaria
Mandra Lake
1999
3842
January
IWC-database
Bulgaria
Tzerkovski Tserkovski Reservoir
1994
2578
January
IWC-database
Bulgaria
Zrebchevo Zhrebchevo Reservoir
1997
2534
January
IWC-database
Bulgaria
Ticha Reservoir
2003
2220
January
IWC-database
Bulgaria
Maritza: Dimitrovgrad-Simeonovgrad
1996
2000
January
IWC-database
Croatia
Jelas Polje
1993
3500
January
IWC-database
Croatia
Koncanica Fish Pond
1994
2500
January
IWC-database
Croatia
Drnje-Sljuncara (Donja Dubrava Reservoir)
1995
2000
January
IWC-database
Egypt
Lake Manzala
1990
22500
January
IWC-database
Egypt
Lake Bardawil
1990
5124
January
IWC-database
Egypt
El Malaha. Bur Fuad
1980
2200
January
IWC-database
Finland
Aland Islands: Eckero 5
1997
2100
January
IWC-database
France
Bas Rhône-Basse Isère
2004
3366
January
IWC-database
France
Seine De Freneuse À Mezière / Seine
1997
3217
January
IWC-database
France
Vallée De La Mosèlle
1998
3026
January
IWC-database
France
La Camargue
2003
2838
January
IWC-database
France
Loire: De Beaulieu À Beaugency
1993
2799
January
IWC-database
France
1993
2407
January
IWC-database
France
Etangs Du Nord Loire Atlantique
Bassin Du Leman (Lac Léman+Rhône+Plans
D'Eau Annexes)
1998
2206
January
IWC-database
Germany
Ahlbeck-Kölpinsee
1993
2912
January
IWC-database
Germany
Rhein Bei Wiesbaden-Amöneburg
1994
2000
January
IWC-database
Greece
1998
7200
January
IWC-database
Greece
Evros Delta
Messolonghi Lagoon (From River Evinos To
River Acheloos)
2000
6307
January
IWC-database
Greece
Axios, Loudias & Aliakmon Deltas
1993
4430
January
IWC-database
Greece
Ptelea Lagoon (Karakatsali) / Elos
2000
3170
January
IWC-database
Greece
Kerkini
1998
3150
January
IWC-database
Greece
Doirani (Secondary)
1999
3130
January
IWC-database
Greece
Trichonis
2001
2550
January
IWC-database
Hungary
Kisbalaton Tarozo
Caspian Sea Coast (Mazandaran): Chalus Babolsar
Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Miankaleh
Protected Region
2001
2030
October
IWC-database
1994
26100
January
IWC-database
2003
22000
January
IWC-database
1994
10441
January
IWC-database
Iran
Hamoun Lakes Complex: Hamoun-E-Saberi
Fereydoon Kenar, Ezbaran & Sorkh Rud
Damgahs: Damgah Fereydoon Ke
1998
10200
January
IWC-database
Iran
Mond Protected Region
1998
10000
January
IWC-database
Iran
Paein Rud Posht Ab-Bandan
2003
9000
January
IWC-database
Iran
Helleh River: River And Delta
Anzali Mordab Complex: Anzali Mars West
(Main Lagoon)
2003
7248
January
IWC-database
2003
4700
January
IWC-database
Gomishan Marsh
Caspian Sea Coast (Mazandaran): Ashur Farahabad
1993
4500
January
IWC-database
1994
4400
January
IWC-database
Iran
Anzali Mordab Complex: Anzali Marsh East
2003
3900
January
IWC-database
Iran
Rasht Fishpond
2003
3490
January
IWC-database
Iran
Iran
Iran
Iran
Iran
Iran
Table 1 continued. Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
Country
Sitename
Year
Count
Type
Source
Iran
Chookam Ab-Bandan
2002
3400
January
IWC-database
Iran
Caspian Sea Coast (Mazandaran): Ramsar - Chalus
2003
3235
January
IWC-database
Iran
1998
3160
January
IWC-database
Iran
Miankaleh W.R. & Gorgan Bay: Gorgan Bay
Urmiyeh (Uromiyeh) Lake: Ghareh-Gheshlagh
Marsh
1993
3137
January
IWC-database
Iran
Oman Sea Coast Minab - Jask: Khoor-E-Jask
1997
3120
January
IWC-database
Iran
Caspian Coast (Gilan): Anzali - Langarud
2003
3005
January
IWC-database
Iran
Caspian Coast (Gilan): Astara - Hashtpar
2002
2870
January
IWC-database
Iran
Lavandavil Wildlife Refuge: Lavandavil Marsh
2003
2685
January
IWC-database
Iran
Hossein Bakandeh Ab-Bandan
2003
2450
January
IWC-database
Iran
2003
2350
January
IWC-database
1998
2215
January
IWC-database
Iran
Anzali Mordab Complex: Selkeh Protected Region
Oman Sea Coast Jask - Khoor-E-Meydani: Khoor-EJagin
Anzali Mordab Complex: Part Of Siahkeshim
Protected Region
2003
2100
January
IWC-database
Iran
Khoor-E-Khalasi
2003
2062
January
IWC-database
Israel
Valley Of Yesreel
1995
5496
January
IWC-database
Israel
Hula Valley
1999
5144
January
IWC-database
Israel
Central Coastal Plain
1998
5034
January
IWC-database
Israel
Emek Hayarden + Sea Of Galilee
2002
4974
January
IWC-database
Israel
North Lower Jordan Valley
1993
4724
January
IWC-database
Israel
Kinnrot Valley
1995
4450
January
IWC-database
Israel
Galilee Coastal Plain
2003
3861
January
IWC-database
Israel
Southern Coastal Plain
2000
3005
January
IWC-database
Italy
Oristano
1993
7840
January
IWC-database
Italy
Delta Del Po - Parte Veneta
2003
4794
January
IWC-database
Italy
Laghi Di Lesina E Varano
1994
4033
January
IWC-database
Italy
Basso Polesine
2002
3538
January
IWC-database
Italy
Laguna Di Venezia
2000
3040
January
IWC-database
Italy
Bassa Val Di Chiana
1997
2638
January
IWC-database
Italy
Basso Adda
1996
2627
January
IWC-database
Italy
Biviere Di Lentini
1999
2500
January
IWC-database
Iran
Italy
Trasimeno
1996
2461
January
IWC-database
Kenya
Lake Oloidien
2000
3629
Nonbreeding
AfWC-database
Kenya
Lake Turkana & Omo Delta Total
1992
3535
Wintering
AfWC-database
Kenya
Lake Nakuru N.P.
1992
3238
Wintering
AfWC-database
Kenya
Lake Naivasha
2000
2323
Nonbreeding
AfWC-database
Kenya
Upper Tana River Dams: Masinga
1995
2153
Wintering
AfWC-database
Kuwait
Sulaibikhat Bay
2000
2600
February
IWC-database
Malawi
Shire River: Lake Malombe - Liwonde
1995
5000
Wintering
AfWC-database
Malawi
Lake Malawi: Boadzulu Island
1993
2000
Nonbreeding
AfWC-database
Mauritanie
Banc D'Arguin Total
1997
25362
Wintering
AfWC-database
Mauritanie
Rosso, Etang De Tianbrank
1975
3000
Wintering
AfWC-database
Mauritanie
Tichilitt
2004
2790
Nonbreeding
AfWC-database
Mauritanie
Pn Diawling, Annexes, Dioup, Keur Macene
1999
2751
Nonbreeding
AfWC-database
Mauritanie
Rosso, Etangs Du Bileyti
1975
2500
Wintering
AfWC-database
Mauritanie
Rosso, Chott Boul
1975
2000
Wintering
AfWC-database
Montenegro
Skadarsko Jezero
1999
8600
January
IWC-database
Namibia
Ichaboe Island
1996
36544
Wintering
AfWC-database
Namibia
Possession Island
1995
5704
Wintering
AfWC-database
Table 1 continued. Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
Country
Sitename
Year
Count
Type
Source
Namibia
Sandwich Harbour: Mudflats
1996
5000
Wintering
Namibia
Walvis Bay Ramsar Site
1996
4777
Wintering
AfWC-database
AfWC-database
Namibia
Cape Cross Salt Works
1996
3801
Wintering
AfWC-database
Netherlands
Ijsselmeer
2002
6262
January
IWC-database
Netherlands
Volkerakmeer
1996
2506
January
IWC-database
Oman
Barr Al Hikman
1989
8146
December
IWC-database
Portugal
Estuário Do Sado
2000
2574
January
IWC-database
Portugal
Ria De Faro
1997
2541
January
IWC-database
Romania
Delta Dunarii (Danube Delta)
1994
7564
January
IWC-database
Romania
Russian
Federation
Strejesti
1995
3000
January
IWC-database
Kochubeevskaya Borozdina
1991
3300
January
IWC-database
Saudi Arabia
Abu Ali
1993
8000
January
IWC-database
Saudi Arabia
Tarout Bay: Total
1996
5835
January
IWC-database
Saudi Arabia
Aerial Survey Gulf Coast
1996
5396
January
IWC-database
Senegal
Parc National Des Oiseaux Du Djoudj
2000
5936
Nonbreeding
AfWC-database
Serbia
Danube; From Dediwa To Ram (Km 1107-1034)
1997
2425
February
IWC-database
Serbia
Danube 5
1999
2300
January
IWC-database
Slovakia
Podunaji (Danube Floodplain)
1992
2219
January
IWC-database
South Africa
Bloemhof Dam
2004
2723
Nonbreeding
AfWC-database
Spain
Parque Natural De La Albufera (V)
2003
8701
January
IWC-database
Spain
Delta Del Ebro (T)
1997
3772
January
IWC-database
Spain
Embalse De Valdecañas
1990
3568
January
IWC-database
Spain
Aiguabarreig Segre-Cinca (Ll)
2003
2232
January
IWC-database
Sweden
Kullen-Arild.53
1993
2500
January
IWC-database
Sweden
Malmö Hamn.33
1997
2350
January
IWC-database
Switzerland
Lac Léman-Ch
1992
4913
January
IWC-database
Switzerland
Zugersee
1989
2369
January
IWC-database
Tunisia
Bahiret El Bibene
1992
15000
January
IWC-database
Tunisia
Sebkha Sidi Mansour
1993
10000
January
IWC-database
Tunisia
Saline De Thyna
1994
3760
January
IWC-database
Turkey
Kucuk Cekmece
1993
10200
January
IWC-database
IWC-database
Turkey
Meric Delta
1999
9300
January
Turkey
Bafa Golu
1993
2000
February
IWC-database
Turkey
1999
2000
January
IWC-database
Turkey
Marmara Golu
Yedi Kugular Baraji(Near Amasya) (Yedikir
Damlake)
1999
2000
January
IWC-database
Turkmenistan
Lake Soltantagt
1986
8250
January
IWC-database
Turkmenistan
Caspian Coast: Gasankuli-Guyjuk
1986
6220
January
IWC-database
Turkmenistan
Lake Dengizkul
1994
5300
January
IWC-database
Turkmenistan
Lake Ketdeshor (Kattashor)
1995
4100
January
IWC-database
Turkmenistan
Kopetdag Reservoir
1999
3812
December
IWC-database
Turkmenistan
Lake Romankuldogajik (30Km W. Of Kattashor)
1994
3200
January
IWC-database
Turkmenistan
Lake Sarykamysh
1997
3000
December
IWC-database
Uzbekistan
Kuyumasar
2004
4810
January
IWC-database
Uzbekistan
Karakir Lakes System
2004
2040
January
IWC-database
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African Waterbird Census database, Wetlands International.
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Unpublished data provided by Viktor Belik, Rostov on Don, Russia.
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Partially published waterbird count data provided by BirdWatch Ireland, Newcastle, Co
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Partially published waterbird count data provided by the BTO, Thetford, Norfolk, England.
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Partially published waterbird count data provided by Jan Blew, The Common Wadden Sea
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Unpublished data provided by Goetz Eichhorn, Germany.
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