An all-black, ducklike waterbird with a distinctive flat head and a sharply hooked bill. It is the smallest cormorant in the region. Breeding adults have white plumes on the sides of the head. Like all cormorants, it is often seen swimming low in the water with its head and neck pointing upward, then suddenly diving underwater to catch fish. It frequently perches upright on rocks, drying its wings. Typically found alone or in small groups in inland water bodies. Compared to the Indian Cormorant, it is smaller with a stouter bill and a flatter head, while the Indian Cormorant has a rounded head.