Cape Cormorant
NameCape Cormorant
Common NameCape Cormorant
Scientific NamePhalacrocorax capensis
FamilyPhalacrocoracidae
Wingspan (cm)90
Length (cm)62.5
Weight (g)1200
Plumage DetailsAdults are entirely glossy black, often with a slight greenish or purplish sheen. They have a distinctive orange gular pouch and a pale blue eye-ring. Juveniles are duller brown.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent away from breeding colonies. At colonies, they produce a variety of guttural grunts, croaks, and hisses.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to southern Africa, breeding and foraging along the coasts of Namibia and South Africa.
Identifying FeaturesAll-black plumage, Orange gular pouch, Slender body shape, Pale blue eye-ring, Colonial nesting habits
Description
The Cape Cormorant is a medium-sized, slender cormorant with entirely black plumage. It is a highly gregarious species, often found in large colonies along the coast, where it dives to catch fish.
