Cormorants are medium-to-large seabirds. They are coastal rather than oceanic birds. The bill is long, thin, and sharply hooked. Their feet have webbing between all four toes. They are fish-eaters, dining on small eels, fish, and even water snakes. They dive from the surface, though many species make a characteristic half-jump as they dive, presumably to give themselves a more streamlined entry into the water. Under water they propel themselves with their feet.