Birds · Suliformes · Phalacrocoracidae

Great Pied Cormorant

Phalacrocorax varius

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

The pied cormorant is a black and white cormorant that is very common in Australia and New Zealand, on the coast and on inland waters alike. It is told apart by a bare yellow and orange stripe on the face. It fishes alone or in coordinated groups that drive shoals of fish into shallow water. It is one of the most familiar birds of Australian harbours and reservoirs.

Weight

1.7 kg – 2.2 kg

Size

65 cm – 85 cm

Lifespan

15 years

Diet

Carnivore

Feeds mainly on other animals.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

Colony

Lives in large concentrations, often for breeding reasons.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

OceanFreshwaterCarnivore Diurnal Colonial Bird Ocean Freshwater

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Fun facts

It fishes in groups with remarkable coordination: dozens of birds advance in a line, driving the shoals of fish into shallow water where they are easier to catch.
It is one of the easiest birds to see in Australia: it perches on piles, buoys and harbour railings, always with its wings spread in the sun after each dive.
It breeds in mixed colonies with other waterbirds and often reuses the same platform nests for years, enlarging them season after season.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment: Coasts, estuaries, lakes and reservoirs of Australia and New Zealand
Sexual maturity: 3 years
Gestation / incubation: 28 days of incubation
Litter / clutch size: 3 eggs

Sources consulted: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phalacrocorax_varius