Least Concern

Length about 50-55 cm weight not precisely consistent in sources, but medium-sized among the cormorants in the region.

Mostly resident in its range; local movements depending on availability of feeding/roosting sites, not long-distance migration.

No major migration destinations; where it moves, usually local shifts.

Varies regionally:
• North India: June to August
• South India: November to February
• Sri Lanka: December to May 
• Bangladesh: May to October in some observations

Nests in trees or large shrubs, often near or over water; may join mixed colonies with herons/egrets etc. Nests made of sticks, leaves etc. Clutch size 2-6 eggs (commonly 3-5) Incubation ~15-21 days.

Freshwater wetlands mainly: village ponds, lakes, jheels (shallow lakes), streams; also sometimes coastal areas: estuaries, tidal creeks, swamps, lagoons etc.

Primarily fish; also amphibians (like tadpoles), crustaceans in part; catches prey by diving; surfaces to swallow.