Because of their black colouration, Cormorants are often referred to as sea crows. In fact, the family name, Phalacrocoracidae, means bald raven in Greek. While Cormorants do appear black, close inspection reveals that they are, in fact, a variety of dark colours ranging from green and violet to ultramarine and bronze. In breeding plumage, these large seabirds have intensely bright patches, which occur in a variety of specific colours, around their eyes and throat. Cormorants possess a gular sac, or throat pouch, that has a variety functions.
