Socotra Cormorant
NameSocotra Cormorant
Common NameSocotra Cormorant
Scientific NamePhalacrocorax nigrogularis
FamilyPhalacrocoracidae
Wingspan (cm)135
Length (cm)82
Weight (g)1750
Plumage DetailsAdults are entirely glossy black, often with a greenish sheen, particularly noticeable during the breeding season. They have distinctive turquoise-green eyes.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent away from breeding colonies. At colonies, they produce a range of guttural grunts, croaks, and hisses.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf, breeding on islands off the coasts of Oman, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Socotra.
Identifying FeaturesAll-black plumage, Slender body and long neck, Hooked bill, Striking turquoise-green eyes, Colonial nesting behavior, Marine habitat
Description
The Socotra Cormorant is a medium-sized, entirely black seabird with a slender build and a long, sinuous neck. It is highly social, forming large breeding colonies on arid islands and coastal areas, where it feeds predominantly on fish by diving.
