From Opus

Alternative name: Reed Cormorant

Phalacrocorax africanus

Photo by CollinBax
Location: Cape Town South Africa

Photo by rudydbn of an immature bird

[edit] Identification

50-55 cm length and an 85 cm wingspan. Black, glossed green, in the breeding season. The wing coverts are silvery. It has a long tail, a short head crest and a red or yellow face patch. The bill is yellow.

Sexes are similar, but non-breeding adults and juveniles are browner. A gallery search demonstrates some variability in plumage, for example extent of white in the head. Some southern populations retain the crest all year round.

[edit] Distribution

Africa south of the Sahara, and Madagascar.

[edit] Taxonomy

This species has previously been considered to include Crowned Cormorant as a subspecies.

[edit] Habitat

Freshwater wetlands or quiet coasts.

[edit] Behaviour

2-4 eggs are laid in a nest in a tree or on the ground.

It can dive to considerable depths, but usually feeds in shallow water. It frequently brings prey to the surface. A wide variety of fish are taken.

[edit] External Links