Indian Cormorant
NameIndian Cormorant
Common NameIndian Cormorant
Scientific NamePhalacrocorax fuscicollis
FamilyPhalacrocoracidae
Wingspan (cm)85
Length (cm)50
Weight (g)400
Plumage DetailsAdults are entirely glossy black with a greenish sheen. Breeding adults develop a distinctive white patch on the side of the head, below the eye, and sometimes fine white filoplumes on the head and neck. The eyes are blue, and the bill is dark and slender with a hooked tip.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent away from breeding colonies. At colonies, they produce a variety of guttural grunts, croaks, and hisses.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatswetland, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across the Indian subcontinent, including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and parts of Southeast Asia, typically in freshwater lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastal lagoons.
Identifying FeaturesSlender body and long neck, Glossy black plumage, Blue eyes, Small, slender dark bill with hooked tip, White patch on side of head (breeding adults)
Description
The Indian Cormorant is a slender, medium-sized waterbird with a long neck and a relatively small head. It is an adept diver, primarily feeding on fish in freshwater and coastal environments across its range.
