Reed Cormorant
NameReed Cormorant
Common NameReed Cormorant
Scientific NameMicrocarbo africanus
FamilyPhalacrocoracidae
Wingspan (cm)85
Length (cm)53
Weight (g)525
Plumage DetailsAdults are glossy black with a greenish sheen, often appearing dark grey in certain light. The bill is yellow, and the bare skin around the eye is reddish-orange. Non-breeding birds and juveniles may show browner plumage with some paler scaling on the back and wings.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent away from breeding colonies. At colonies, it produces a variety of guttural grunts, hisses, and croaks.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatswetland, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar, inhabiting various freshwater and sheltered coastal environments.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size for a cormorant, All-dark plumage (adults), Yellow bill, Reddish-orange bare skin around eye, Long tail, Often perches with wings spread to dry
Description
The Reed Cormorant is a small, slender cormorant found in freshwater and coastal habitats across sub-Saharan Africa. It is an adept diver, primarily feeding on fish, and is often observed perching on branches or rocks with its wings spread to dry.
