Definition

Noun: * A large, voracious, dark-colored, long-necked seabird with a distensible pouch for holding fish; used in Asia to catch fish. This is the scientific name for the great cormorant.

Usage

• The term Phalacrocorax carbo is used in formal, scientific, and zoological contexts to refer specifically to the great cormorant species, distinguishing it from other cormorants.
• It is typically written in italics, as is standard for binomial (genus and species) scientific names.

Examples

• Scientific Observation: "The study focused on the diving behavior of in the North Sea."
• Conservation Context: " populations have shown a significant recovery in many parts of Europe."
• Comparative Biology: "Unlike its smaller relative, is known to dive to greater depths."

Advanced Usage

• In ornithological literature, the abbreviation "P. carbo" is often used after the full name has been introduced.
  • Example: "Initial surveys identified Phalacrocorax carbo. Subsequent tracking data showed that P. carbo frequently foraged near offshore structures."

Variants and Related Words

• Great cormorant: The common English name for .
• Cormorant: The general common name for birds in the family Phalacrocoracidae or the genus . Phalacrocorax carbo is one specific species within this group.
• Shag: A common name for a closely related but distinct seabird species (e.g., ), often confused with the cormorant.

Synonyms

• Great cormorant
• Black cormorant (in some regions)
• Large cormorant

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning is taxonomic, referring to a specific biological species. The descriptive details—large size, dark plumage, long neck, fish-catching pouch, and historical use in fishing—are inherent characteristics of this species.

Noun

1. large voracious dark-colored long-necked seabird with a distensible pouch for holding fish; used in Asia to catch fish