Facts about Flightless cormorant swimming
- 08
The flightless cormorant's legs are positioned far back on its body, an adaptation that makes it an exceptionally efficient swimmer but nearly impossible to walk on land.
- 07
Underwater, the flightless cormorant can remain submerged for up to 30 seconds while pursuing fish through the nutrient-rich currents surrounding the Galápagos Islands.
- 06
Cormorant feathers lack the waterproofing oils found in most seabirds, allowing water to penetrate their plumage and reduce buoyancy for deeper dives.
- 05
A flightless cormorant's neck comprises 13 vertebrae, allowing the extreme flexibility required to turn and strike at fish while submerged in rapid pursuit.
- 04
Young flightless cormorants require approximately two years to develop their full diving and swimming proficiency before becoming independent hunters.
- 03
These birds use their powerful legs and webbed feet to propel themselves at speeds up to 8 kilometers per hour while hunting underwater.
- 02
Flightless cormorant wings have shrunk to just 5.9 centimeters in length, making them the smallest wings relative to body size of any living bird species.
- 01
Galapagos flightless cormorants dive to depths of up to 30 meters while hunting fish in the cold Pacific waters surrounding their island home.