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;Phalacrocorax africanus | ;Phalacrocorax africanus | ||
| − | [[Image:Long-tailed_Cormorant.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by rudydbn]] | + | [[Image:Long-tailed_Cormorant.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by rudydbn of an immature bird]] |
==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
The Long-tailed Cormorant or Reed Cormorant, (Phalacrocorax africanus) is a member of the cormorant family of seabirds. This is a common and widespread bird species. This is a small cormorant at 50-55 cm length and an 85 cm wingspan. It is mainly black, glossed green, in the breeding season. The wing coverts are silvery. It has a longish tail, a short head crest and a red or yellow face patch. The bill is yellow. | The Long-tailed Cormorant or Reed Cormorant, (Phalacrocorax africanus) is a member of the cormorant family of seabirds. This is a common and widespread bird species. This is a small cormorant at 50-55 cm length and an 85 cm wingspan. It is mainly black, glossed green, in the breeding season. The wing coverts are silvery. It has a longish 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. Some southern | + | 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. |
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==Taxonomy== | ==Taxonomy== | ||
| + | This species has previously been considered to include [[Crowned Cormorant]] as a subspecies | ||
==Habitat== | ==Habitat== | ||
It breeds on freshwater wetlands or quiet coasts. | It breeds on freshwater wetlands or quiet coasts. | ||
Revision as of 21:46, 23 September 2007
- Phalacrocorax africanus
Identification
The Long-tailed Cormorant or Reed Cormorant, (Phalacrocorax africanus) is a member of the cormorant family of seabirds. This is a common and widespread bird species. This is a small cormorant at 50-55 cm length and an 85 cm wingspan. It is mainly black, glossed green, in the breeding season. The wing coverts are silvery. It has a longish 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.
Distribution
It breeds in much of Africa south of the Sahara, and Madagascar. It is resident but undertakes some seasonal movements.
Taxonomy
This species has previously been considered to include Crowned Cormorant as a subspecies
Habitat
It breeds on freshwater wetlands or quiet coasts.
Behaviour
2-4 eggs are laid in a nest in a tree or on the ground.
The Long-tailed Cormorant 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.
