For the first time since the Middle Ages, the large aquatic cormorant has chosen Swiss soil for its nesting ground. Two nests were found in July next to Lake Neuchâtel, according to the Swiss Ornithology Institute.
The nests, discovered by canton Vaud ornithologists, Michel Antoniazza and Pascal Rapin, contained two and three hatchlings respectively.
The bird experts came upon the nests while making their regular check on the nesting sites of seagulls and herrings in the Fanel reserve.
The cormorant regularly comes to Switzerland around winter time but has chosen neighbouring countries to brood for the past few centuries.
The discovery takes the total number of bird species breeding in Switzerland to 216, the ornithology institute said.
The cormorant feeds underwater on crustaceans, fish and other aquatic species.
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