Posted by Jonathan Labaree on December 06, 2002 at 13:55:18 from 207.5.234.19 user JLabaree.
In Reply to: Re: cormorants or shags? posted by Duncan on December 06, 2002 at 12:44:40:
Mistaking an immature double-crested coromorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) for the common loon (Gavia immer - the UK's Great Northern Diver) is fairly common as the immature coromorant has a white throat, similar to the loon (while adult double-crested cormorants are entirely black, apart from a red accent around the bill). The loon, however, is significantly larger and floats much lower in the water. Duncan's description of how they dive is excellent and another tell-tale sign of the difference.