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【 UMIU (JapaneseCormorant) 】
( Scientific name: Phalacrocorax capillatus )
From mid fall to early winter, Japanese Cormorants migrate to Amami. They are
often seen gathering on the rocks in the shallows, on mud flats or in mangrove
forests. Since they are a water bird, they have webbed feet and dive for fish.
Their feathers are blackish and their size is much bigger than a crow. The tip
of their beak is hooked.
When you are fishing at a seaside, you may happen to
notice a cormorant dive at a spot. Then, you will be surprized to find it emerge
at a very distant place after a few minutes. It's amazing how far and fast they
can dive. They are often seen spreading and drying their wet wings on rocks
after diving.
Cormorant fishermen tame and train Japanese Cormorants
to catch ayu (sweetfish). Master cormorant fishermen in the Nagara
River, Gifu Prefecture, are the most renowned.
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