Little Black Cormorant
NameLittle Black Cormorant
Common NameLittle Black Cormorant
Scientific NamePhalacrocorax sulcirostris
FamilyPhalacrocoracidae
Wingspan (cm)77.5
Length (cm)60
Weight (g)750
Plumage DetailsEntirely glossy black plumage, often with a greenish sheen, especially on the head and neck. The feathers on the back and wings have a scaly appearance due to darker centers and paler edges. The eye is a striking turquoise-green, particularly in breeding adults.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a silent bird, but can produce a variety of guttural grunts, croaks, and hisses, especially when at nesting colonies or disturbed.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatswetland, coastal, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, New Guinea, and other parts of Southeast Asia, inhabiting a variety of aquatic environments.
Identifying Featuresentirely black plumage, slender body and bill, small size for a cormorant, bright turquoise-green eye, hooked bill tip
Description
The Little Black Cormorant is a small, slender cormorant known for its entirely glossy black plumage and distinctive turquoise eye. It is an expert diver, frequently seen fishing in both freshwater and sheltered coastal environments.
