Little Black Cormorant

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

The Little Black Cormorant is a slender, medium-sized waterbird measuring 55 to 65 cm in length. It appears entirely black from a distance, but closer inspection reveals a subtle greenish-bronze sheen and a faint scaly pattern on the back and wings. Unlike most other Australian cormorants, it lacks any white on its plumage. Key identification features include a long, narrow lead-grey bill, dark facial skin, and striking emerald-green eyes. During the breeding season, adults develop fine white flecks on the head and neck. Both sexes are similar in appearance. Generally silent away from nesting colonies, the species may produce low, guttural croaks, soft hissing, or ticking sounds at the nest. It is notably gregarious and famous for its communal pack-hunting behaviour; large rafts of birds swim together in a coordinated front to herd schools of small fish before diving simultaneously. In flight, they move in disciplined V-formations or long, undulating lines with rapid wingbeats. Like other cormorants, they are frequently seen perching on branches, banks, or posts with their wings spread wide to dry. Widespread across Australia and Tasmania, this cormorant is equally at home on inland freshwater lakes, rivers, and farm dams as it is in coastal estuaries and mangrove-lined creeks. It is also a common sight on urban ponds. While it may be confused with the Great Cormorant, the latter is much larger and bulkier with a heavy bill and yellow facial skin. The Little Pied Cormorant is similar in size but is easily distinguished by its bright yellow bill and clean white breast and belly.

Description · BirdUp · CC BY-SA 4.0

1. 01

   Vivid turquoise-green eye

   A striking, jewel-like point of color on the dark head, visible at close range.

2. 02

   Slender, dark grey bill

   Distinctively thin and fine, with the bill appearing dark grey over its entire length.

3. 03

   Greenish sheen on black plumage

   Subtle but distinctive, adding depth to the otherwise all-black appearance in good light.

4. 04

   Fine white breeding plumes on head and neck

   Scattered white filoplumes appear on the sides of the head and neck during the breeding season.