Little Black Cormorant

The Little Black Cormorant is a slender, all-black waterbird with a slight greenish or bronze sheen to its plumage, a long thin neck, and a slim grey-black bill. It lacks any white on the body, distinguishing it readily from its similarly sized relative, the Little Pied Cormorant.

It is well known for its highly social foraging behavior, often forming large rafts of birds that drive fish into shallow water for easier capture.

Key field marks

• Entirely glossy black plumage with a subtle green-bronze sheen
• Slender grey bill, longer and thinner than the Little Pied Cormorant's
• Small facial patch of bare skin at the base of the bill

Similar species

• Little Pied Cormorant has white underparts and a shorter, stubbier yellow bill.
• Great Cormorant is much larger with a heavier bill and yellow facial skin.
• Juvenile birds are duller, sooty brown-black, but retain the same slim shape.

Habitat

Found on freshwater lakes, rivers, swamps, reservoirs, and sheltered coastal waters, including estuaries and harbors.

Range

Widespread across Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and parts of Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

Migration

Generally sedentary or nomadic, moving in response to water availability rather than following fixed migratory routes.

Behavior

Highly gregarious, frequently fishing in coordinated flocks that herd schools of small fish, then diving in unison to feed.

Voice

Mostly quiet, giving low croaking or grunting calls at breeding colonies.

Feeding

Catches fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects by pursuit-diving underwater, sometimes cooperatively with other cormorants and waterbirds.

Nesting

Nests colonially in trees or reedbeds near water, building a stick platform; typically lays 3-5 pale blue-green eggs.