Cormorants - River Thames, Limehouse/Shadwell, London, March 2025 (1 Viewer)

AndyS56 · Mar 14, 2025

I would like to know which particular species of Cormorant these are please.

Many thanks,

Andy

Bewick · Mar 14, 2025

Great cormorant, we only have one species of 'Cormorant' in the UK and one species of 'Shag' (European shag- a coastal bird which is visually distinctive).

martyrynin · Mar 14, 2025

What's going on with the cormorant with the whitish neck. I've not seen that before.

Harrybongo · Mar 14, 2025

leifvester said:
What's going on with the cormorant with the whitish neck. I've not seen that before.

Hi. It's adult courtship plumage.

martyrynin · Mar 14, 2025

Harrybongo said:
Hi. It's adult courtship plumage.

Ah interesting! I've seen the white side patch before, but not the neck colouration.

Will have to keep an eye out for that.

AndyS56 · Mar 15, 2025

Many thanks.

Andy

Stephen Dunstan · Mar 15, 2025

There are two subspecies of Great Cormorant we see - carbo and sinensis. Sinensis were visitors from the Continent but both now nest here. White head and neck feathering was thought to be a sinensis diagnostic feature but it isn't now. In London both subspecies are possible but you need close up pictures of the head really.

AndyS56 · Mar 15, 2025

This is the best I can manage in terms of close up. Unfortunately, I didn't have my long lens with me that day - Sod's Law strikes again!

Andy

Harrybongo · Mar 15, 2025

Stephen Dunstan said:
There are two subspecies of Great Cormorant we see - carbo and sinensis. Sinensis were visitors from the Continent but both now nest here. White head and neck feathering was thought to be a sinensis diagnostic feature but it isn't now. In London both subspecies are possible but you need close up pictures of the head really.

Hi. Yes, sinensis, is normally found nesting in trees along inland waters, since, 1981, as I've just read . 👍

Stephen Dunstan · Mar 15, 2025

Here is a good reference on the distinctions, and the fact that some are less clear cut.

Harrybongo · Mar 15, 2025

Stephen Dunstan said:
Here is a good reference on the distinctions, and the fact that some are less clear cut.

Hi. You can see now, especially when in the field, how difficult it would be to distinguish/ separate the two! 👍...... I'll take my protractor, the next time I'm down the shore! 😂

AndyS56 · Mar 16, 2025

Thanks for all your replies. I didn't expect to stir up so much debate!

Julie50 · Mar 16, 2025

Here are a couple of adults from last week - not sure which sub sp lol

Harrybongo · Mar 16, 2025

Julie50 said:
Here are a couple of adults from last week - not sure which sub sp lol

........ I'll get my protractor! 😂

Harrybongo · Mar 16, 2025

Hi. On pic 2, looks like quite a large angle?!! Maybe sinensis???

Julie50 · Mar 16, 2025

Thanks

Harrybongo · Mar 16, 2025

AndyS56 said:
Thanks for all your replies. I didn't expect to stir up so much debate!

Hi. I've learnt something new, which is good...... good post! 👍

Cormorants - River Thames, Limehouse/Shadwell, London, March 2025 (1 Viewer)

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Now, approximately, 33.33% accurate on bird IDs 👍

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Now, approximately, 33.33% accurate on bird IDs 👍

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Now, approximately, 33.33% accurate on bird IDs 👍

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Mostly in the Midlands :)

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Now, approximately, 33.33% accurate on bird IDs 👍

Now, approximately, 33.33% accurate on bird IDs 👍

Mostly in the Midlands :)

Now, approximately, 33.33% accurate on bird IDs 👍

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