From Opus

Alternative names: Neotropical Cormorant; Olivaceous Cormorant

Phalacrocorax brasilianus

Photo by Aracari
Location: Sao Paulo Botanical Gardens

[edit] Identification

L. 64 cm
W. 100 cm
Weight 1-1.5 kg

• Black
• Yellow-brown throat patch

[edit] Breeding

• White tufts on the sides of the head
• Throat patch develops a white edge

[edit] Juvenile

Brownish

[edit] Distribution

North America: Mexico, southern Texas, and locally in New Mexico. Accidental vagrant to California, Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Illinois, Alabama and most remarkably Ontario¹.
In the Caribbean found in Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and Cuba. Additionally found throughout Central America and South America.

[edit] Taxonomy

Two subspecies are recognized, brasilianus and mexicanus. Some field guides² still use Phalacrocorax olivaceus for this species.

[edit] Habitat

Sea shores, lakes, and marshes. It can be found in salt water, brackish water, as well as fresh water habitats.

[edit] Behaviour

Dives from the surface, swimming well under water to chase prey. Often perches on logs, pilings, tree limbs, or even wires, sometimes spreading its wings in the sun to dry. Usually flies low over the surface of open water with strong, rapid wing beats.

[edit] Diet

Includes small fish, but will also eat tadpoles, frogs, crustaceans, and aquatic insects.

[edit] Breeding

The nest is a platform of sticks with a depression in the centre circled with twigs and grass. Up to 5 chalky, bluish-white eggs are laid and are incubated by both parents for about 25–30 days.

[edit] References

1. 2005 Ontario Bird Records Committee Report (http://www.ofo.ca/obrc/includes/2005OBRCReport.pdf)
2. Ridgely & Gwynne: A guide to the birds of Panama ISBN 0691025126

[edit] External Links