Cormorant in Tokyo (1 Viewer)

[AndyS56]

I saw a number of these on my recent trip. Is this a "Japanese Cormorant"? If so, how is it distinguished from those seen in the UK?


Andy

 

[jmorlan]

This is a Great Cormorant, same species as in the UK. Japanese Cormorant, also known as Temminck's Cormorants, are very similar, but 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. Japanese Cormorant is also slightly larger than the local subspecies of Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo hanedae). Both occur along the coast, but the Great Cormorant is most common inland where the Japanese Cormorant does not normally occur. Fittingly the Japanese name for the Great Cormorant is "River Cormorant" while Japanese Cormorant translates to "Sea Cormorant." However, there is a gap in Japanese Cormorant distribution in Tokyo Bay where Great Cormorant is the expected species.

 

[AndyS56]

Apologies for the delay, but many thanks for the explanation.

Andy