Uccelli simili a Great Cormorant

Key differences

The European Shag is smaller and more slender, with a more delicate bill. Adults have a prominent crest during breeding season (lacking in Great Cormorant). The Shag's gular patch is dark, not yellow, and it lacks the white flank patches of breeding Great Cormorants. Shags are almost exclusively marine, while Great Cormorants use both fresh and saltwater.

Key differences

Found in North America. Similar in size and appearance, but the Double-crested Cormorant has a more orange-yellow gular pouch and lacks the white throat/cheek patch of the Great Cormorant. Breeding adults have two small crests (often inconspicuous). The Great Cormorant (subspecies P. c. carbo) in North America is restricted to the Atlantic coast and has a more extensive white throat patch.