Major monograph covering all world species. Split into two sections, the first focuses on the comparative biology of all 32 species of cormorant and shag (Phalacrocoracidae), two species of darter (Anhingidae) and seven species of pelican (Pelacanidae). The second section comprises the species accounts. Emphasis is placed primarily on ecology and behaviour, with secondary emphasis on taxonomy, distribution, plumages and morphology. Every extant species is illustrated in colour, plus a distribution map. There are detailed line drawings of the heads of all species noting age or seasonal variations.