Solitary Islands Underwater Research Group, Inc.

Phalacrocorax sulcirirostris (Brandt, 1837)

Photographer: 
Neil Vaughan
Date: 
Wed, 26/06/2019 (all day)
Photographer: 
Bob Edgar
Date: 
Sat, 25/11/2017 (all day)
Photographer: 
Neil Vaughan
Date: 
Wed, 14/11/2018 (all day)
Common Name: 
Little Black Cormorant
Distribution: 

Ranges from New Zealand's North Island, throughout Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia (but not Sumatra) and the Malay Peninsula. 

Ecological Notes: 

Typically observed in wetlands and sheltered coastal waters, especially lakes, reservoirs, rivers, bays and inlets. The Little Black Cormorant feeds primarily on fish, and eats a higher proportion of fish than the frequently co-occurring Little Pied Cormorant, which eats more crustaceans.

Additional Notes: 

Forms flocks when chasing prey, individuals leap frogging those in front. Often observed in small groups drying wings on fallen or dead trees over water. Walks with a waddling gait, but flies with strong wing beats.

References: 

Atlas of Living Australia at Phalacrocorax sulcirirostris Accessed 29 July 2020.
Wikipedia. "Little Black Cormorant." Last modified 28 December 2019. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_black_cormorant