a.k.a. Temminck's Cormorant
- Phalacrocorax capillatus
Identification
81–92 cm; wingspan 152 cm.
Adult blackish with noticeable greenish or greenish-blue gloss, white throat and cheek, and a partially yellow bill. In breeding plumage has extensive white head plumes. Sexes alike.
Similar Species
Similar to Great Cormorant. Given close views, the two may be distinguished by the extent and shape of their bare yellow facial skin which is much reduced in Japanese Cormorant which shows a pointed rear projection of the gape line unlike the rounded rear gape of Great Cormorant. Perhaps easier to see is that the head profile is flatter, where the front of the head rises relatively steeply.
Distribution
Breeds along the coasts of northeast Asia including Korea, Japan, Russia and northeast China. In winter occurs off the east coast of China as far south asTaiwan.
Taxonomy
This is a montypic species[1].
Habitat
Restricted to rocky coasts. Rare inland.
Behaviour
Diet
Mostly fish, captured by pursuit-diving.
Breeding
Colonial breeder in summer, nesting on cliffs or rocks usually on flat areas and marine terraces.
Vocalisations
Usually silent away from breeding colonies. Calls at nest include a low guarr.
Movements
Disperses away from breeding areas after nesting.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2018. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2018. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Brazil, M. A. 1991. The Birds of Japan. Smithsonian Inst. Press, Washington DC.
- Orta, J., Jutglar, F., Kirwan, G.M. & Boesman, P. (2019). Japanese Cormorant (Phalacrocorax capillatus). In: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., Sargatal, J., Christie, D.A. & de Juana, E. (eds.). Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. (retrieved from https://www.hbw.com/node/52634 on 19 March 2019).
- Birdforum thread discussing id of Japanese versus Great Cormorant
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Japanese Cormorant. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 6 May 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Japanese_Cormorant
