Little Black Cormorant

The Little Black Cormorant (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris) is most commonly seen on inland waters, but also on coastal waters, and mostly in large flocks particularly in autumn and winter. Their main food is fish, and can often be seen in flocks, fishing cooperatively. The sexes are similar, and this small slender bird has a dark grey slim bill, black facial skin but jade green eyes.

Cormorants breed in colonies, in spring to summer in South Australia. The nest is a rough platform for sticks, bark, leaves and water herbage. There are usually 4 eggs.

Cormorants float low in water, and in flight tend to make several rapid wing beats then glide with neck outstretched.

At Urrbrae Wetland, little black cormorant are usually only seen occasionally and singly around the Main Pond. (Contributed by Jo G and Wen-Ai.)

19/11/2008