Guanay Cormorant
NameGuanay Cormorant
Common NameGuanay Cormorant
Scientific NameLeucocarbo bougainvillii
FamilyPhalacrocoracidae
Wingspan (cm)83.5
Length (cm)73
Weight (g)2000
Plumage DetailsAdults have glossy black upperparts, head, and neck, contrasting sharply with pure white underparts. A small black crest is often visible on the head, and there is prominent reddish-orange facial skin around the eye, which is also red. The bill is long, slender, and greyish, and the feet are pinkish.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent away from breeding colonies. At colonies, they produce a variety of guttural grunts, croaks, and hisses, especially during courtship and territorial disputes.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeFound along the Pacific coast of South America, primarily from northern Peru south to central Chile. It also has a smaller population on the Atlantic coast of Argentina.
Identifying FeaturesBlack upperparts and white underparts, Red orbital skin around the eye, Small black crest on head, Long, slender greyish bill, Pinkish feet
Description
The Guanay Cormorant is a medium-sized marine bird known for its striking black and white plumage. It is a highly social species, forming massive breeding colonies on rocky islands and coastal cliffs, where it feeds predominantly on anchovies and other schooling fish.
