A waterbird characterized by its long, slender, snake-like neck and sharp, pointed bill. During the breeding season, adults display a glossy black body with silver-white streaks on the wings, a brownish crown and neck, and a white stripe extending from the eye to the side of the neck. Outside of breeding season and in immature stages, the bird’s plumage is less vibrant, appearing duller and brown. This bird is often seen swimming with just its neck and head above the water and uses its sharp bill to catch fish underwater. Like cormorants, it frequently perches upright on rocks to dry its wings. It is usually found alone or in small groups in both inland and coastal waters and is known to soar through the sky, though it is generally quiet.