Little Black Cormorant

Phalacrocorax sulcirostris(Brandt, JF, 1837)

Also known asKawau tūīMidir

Least ConcernNative

Order: SULIFORMES
Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Genus: Phalacrocorax

Conservation: Least Concern
Commonness: Very common
Best seen: Year-round

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

The little black cormorant is a member of the cormorant family of seabirds. It is common in smaller rivers and lakes throughout most areas of Australia and northern New Zealand, where it is known as the little black shag. It is around sixty centimetres long, and is all black with blue-green eyes.

Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

01
Vivid turquoise-green eye
A striking, jewel-like point of color on the dark head, visible at close range.
02
Slender, dark grey bill
Distinctively thin and fine, with the bill appearing dark grey over its entire length.
03
Greenish sheen on black plumage
Subtle but distinctive, adding depth to the otherwise all-black appearance in good light.
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.

Field specs

Length: 55–65 cm
Weight: 517–1210 g
Wingspan: 95 cm

Measurements · avonet · CC BY 4.0

Field tips

behaviour

Watch for a unique 'leap-frog' hunting style where birds at the back of a large flock fly over those in front to dive, creating a rolling motion across the surface.

flight

Often travels in tight V-formations or long, trailing lines, maintaining a direct flight path with rapid, steady wingbeats low over the water.

plumage

Adult birds feature striking emerald-green eyes and a slender, lead-grey bill that lacks the yellow or orange facial skin seen on other cormorants.
Look for a subtle greenish sheen on the dark back and fine, irregular white feathers on the head and neck that develop during the breeding season.

size_and_shape

Look for a very slim silhouette with a thin neck and a narrow, straight bill that appears notably delicate.

02 · Where

Where to find it

Breeding range: OR, AU : coastal and inland Java and Sulawesi through New Guinea region, Australia (widespread), New Caledonia and North I. (New Zealand)
Non-breeding range: Nomadic and dispersive across the breeding range, following inland water availability.

03 · When