Yesterday a rare bird, Cormorant spotted on Jumeirah Beach in Dubai. Socotra cormorant, a rare bird that nests in large numbers on offshore islands in the UAE, is to be the subject of a study by the Ministry of Environment and Water. The study is being carried by scientists from UAE University at a cost of Dh500,000. It will focus on the feeding patterns of the rare birds, which are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

This is Arabia?s only nesting cormorant. Endemic to Arabia and once present in large numbers offshore in the Arabian Gulf, they are now under serious pressure from man as their nest sites become disturbed by human intrusion. However, you?ll still likely see a flock just flying offshore between Umm Al Quwain between July and November. Otherwise, small numbers can be seen anywhere off the UAE?s coast.

The breeding population has been estimated at 110,000 pairs, spread across the Gulf, Eritrea and Somalia. About a third of the birds breed on offshore islands in the UAE, mostly in Abu Dhabi waters. The birds live in colonies of several thousand and feed on fish.

The study is part of efforts to protect the Socotra Cormorant, which is under pressure due to the destruction of its habitat and marine pollution.

A large and conspicuous waterbird, the cormorant has an almost primitive appearance with its long neck making it appear almost reptilian. It is often seen standing with its wings held out to dry.