Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

One of the most widespread cormorants on Earth, the Great Cormorant is a large, dark waterbird found across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australasia. After diving for fish, it famously spreads its wings to dry — its feathers are less waterproof than other diving birds, which actually helps reduce buoyancy underwater. It has been used in Asian fishing for centuries.