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Photo by Rob
Photo taken: the Netherlands

Phalacrocorax pygmeus

[edit] Identification

45-55 cm long and with a 75-90 cm wingspan. It has a long tail and short thick bill. Adults have small white feather tufts on the head neck and underparts in the breeding season. Non-breeding birds have a white throat. The sexes are similar, but juveniles are duller and browner.

This species is distinguished from the Great Cormorant and the Common Shag by its much smaller size, lighter build, and long tail.

[edit] Distribution

Europe and southwestern Asia.

[edit] Taxonomy

[edit] Habitat

Wetlands with still or slowly flowing fresh water in coastal deltas and well-vegetated freshwater lakes.

[edit] Behaviour

Its nest is made of grass and twigs placed in a low tree or reedbed; 3-6 eggs are laid. Both parents incubate for 27-30 days, and nestlings become independent after 70 days.

Its diet includes fish.

This is an endangered species due to the drainage and serious degradation of wetlands and their associated woodland, water pollution, disturbance, and the illegal hunting and drowning of many Pygmy Cormorants in nets.

[edit] External Links