Common Name: Little Pied Cormorant

Distribution: Ranges across New Zealand, mainland Australia, with the exception of the arid interior of the west of the country, Tasmania and Indonesia.

Ecological Notes: A common species, living near swamps, lakes, lagoons, estuaries and the coastline. It predates a variety of fish species, with crustaceans contributing approximately 30% by weight on average to dietary requirements. 

Additional Notes: It is a benthic feeder finding its prey in relatively shallow water. Dive times are short, between 15 to 20 seconds, with recovery times on the surface of 5 to 10 seconds unless prey are being swallowed. 

References: Atlas of Living Australia at Little Pied Cormorant Accessed 13 August 2023.

Wikipedia. “Little Pied Cormorant.” Last modified 22 July 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_pied_cormorant