Least Concern

80–100 cm length, 130–160 cm wingspan, weighing 1.8–2.8 kg; a large, heavy-bodied waterbird with strong diving ability.

Many populations are resident; birds from northern and colder regions migrate southward in winter.

Moves to warmer coastal areas, estuaries, lakes, and large rivers during winter.

Late winter to early summer (varies by region); peak nesting often from April to June.

Breeds in colonies on cliffs, rocky islands, tall trees near water, or reed beds; nests made of sticks, weeds, and reused year after year.

Found in coastal shores, estuaries, lagoons, fish-rich lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and wetlands—both marine and freshwater.

Mainly fish, caught by deep diving; also takes crustaceans, aquatic insects, amphibians when available.