White patches

Common Cormorants have a large sign, only visible in the summer, to show they are adults and ready to breed. It’s a large white flag-like patch of feathers on their thighs.

The white patch is particularly noticeable when in flight. This one, with its white facial patch and white thighs is already in its ‘summer’ plumage.

I’m sure it’s going to make a big splash with its partner.