A diminutive Mallard-sized cormorant of southeast Europe and southwest Asia, not easily confused with anything else in its range. A bird of huge freshwater swamps and deltas, where they build their nests in shrubs or extensive reed beds. Adults are dark with a bronzy green gloss in summer. Winter adults and juveniles have a white throat and paler breast recalling other cormorants, but small body size, short bill, and stubby neck distinctive.