Phalacrocorax carbo

List of Fact Sheets | Glossary

Search | Back Home

Family

Phalacrocoracidae

Genus

Phalacrocorax

Species

carbo

Common Names

Great Cormorant, Black Cormorant, Big Black Cormorant, Black Shag

Distinguishing Features

This large water bird is 80-85 in size, with a wingspan of 1.3-1.5 metres. It is almost entirely black, except for its yellow and white facial skin and some small white specks on its neck. It has a green eye and a light grey coloured bill with a hooked tip. During the breeding season, the feathers take on a glossy blue-black appearance and the facial skin brightens in colour. A white patch just above the legs appears, as does a distinctive crest on the back of the head. Young birds are a patchy brown colour, with pale facial skin.

Survey Techniques

Call and visual identification.

Species Call

This species is usually silent. Occasionally the male gives croaking groans and female gives hoarse hissing.

Similar Species

The Little Black Cormorant (Phalocrocorax sulcirostris) is smaller and lacks the facial colouring.

Distribution

This species is found in well-watered regions across Australia, although it is less common in the north. The Great Cormorant is also found in New Zealand, New Guinea, Indonesia and on Macquarie Islands. Africa, China, North America, India and Europe are also home to this species.

Country of Origin

Australia

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

This is the most common of the cormorants in the Canberra region (COG).

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999.

LSCCES Population

11 sightings were made at the NMA, seven at the waterfront of Civic West and one at ANU.

Associated vegetation community

The Great Cormorant inhabits large waterbodies, of either fresh or salt water. These areas include coastal estuaries, lagoons, deep rivers, lakes, swamps and floodwaters.

Limiting Resources

Rainfall is important, as they will only breed when water levels around wetlands are extremely high.

Breeding

This species will breed at any time of year in response to good rain and abundant food supply. It will generally nest in colonies with other cormorants, ibis, spoonbills and egrets. The nest site is varied and can include trees, rocks, ledges, shrubs, reeds, the ground or man-made structures. The nest itself is generally a rough platform of sticks and vegetation, with a 45-55cm diameter. Usually four chalky blue, oval eggs are laid and incubated by both parents for about 28 days. Chicks are usually really to leave the nest at 4 weeks of age, and are independent at 7 weeks.

Behaviour

Great Cormorants are most often seen flying overhead or perched around a waterbody, sunning themselves with their wings slightly outstretched. They swim and dive in search of fish, staying underwater for half a minute or more, or paddling on the surface. When nesting, the male advertises himself with a brisk wing waving display.

Functional Group

Carnivore

Food Species

This species eats a wide variety of fish, crustaceans and insects.

Predators

Feral Pigs (Sus Scrofa) are known to push through wetland vegetation, destroying nests and eggs. European Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes), Dogs (Canis familiaris) and Cats (Felis catus) will also attack young birds.

Interesting Fact

The Great Cormorant raises the crest at the back of its head in alarm when on guard at the nest.