Kingdom: Animalia       Phylum: Chordata       Class: Aves (Birds)       Order: Ciconiiformes       Family: Phalacrocoracidae

Little Cormorant (Phalacrocorax niger) is a widespread resident in India.   Size: 51 cm.

In the breeding season, Little Cormorants are glossy black with a few white head plumes. Non-breeding adults and juveniles are browner with a white throat patch. Sexes similar. Little Cormorant can dive to considerable depths to catch fish. After feeding it perches atop a rock or low branch to dry its feathers with the wings outstretched. Little Cormorants breed in freshwater wetlands and on coasts. Clutch size: 3-5 eggs.