Little Pied Cormorant

The Little Pied Cormorant is the smallest cormorant found across Australia, New Zealand, and nearby islands. It has clean white underparts and glossy black upperparts, with a notably short, thick, yellow bill that gives it a somewhat stubby-faced appearance compared to other cormorants. Immature birds show more grey-brown mottling on the face and flanks.

It is a familiar sight perched with wings half-spread to dry after diving, a habit shared by all cormorant species because their feathers are only partially waterproof.

Key field marks

• Small size (roughly half the bulk of a Little Black Cormorant)
• Short, thick, bright yellow bill
• Clean white face, throat, and underparts contrasting with black cap and upperparts
• Yellow facial skin in front of the eye

Similar species

• Little Black Cormorant is entirely black and noticeably larger with a longer, thinner bill.
• Pied Cormorant (Australian Pied Cormorant) is much larger with a longer bill and orange facial skin.
• Juveniles can show brownish mottled underparts, which can cause confusion with young Pied Cormorants, but size and bill shape remain diagnostic.

Habitat

Highly adaptable, found on virtually any body of water including small ponds, rivers, lakes, estuaries, harbors, and sheltered coastal bays.

Range

Widespread across Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, and Indonesia.

Migration

Largely sedentary, though birds may move locally in response to water levels and food availability.

Behavior

Dives from the surface to chase down fish underwater, often foraging alone or in loose groups, and regularly perches on posts, rocks, or dead branches with wings spread to dry.

Voice

Mostly silent away from colonies; utters low guttural croaks and grunts at breeding sites.

Feeding

Pursues small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects by underwater pursuit diving in shallow water.

Nesting

Breeds colonially, often with other waterbirds, building a stick platform nest in trees, bushes, or reeds overhanging water; typically lays 3-4 pale blue-green eggs.