Black-faced Cormorant.
Photo: K Vang and W Dabrowka © Bird Explorers
Distribution map of Phalacrocorax fuscescens
Map © Birds Australia Birdata
Black-faced Cormorant
Scientific name: Phalacrocorax fuscescens
Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Order: Pelecaniformes
- Featured Bird Groups
- Sea birds
What does it look like?
Description
The Black-faced Cormorant is a large pied (black and white) cormorant with a naked black face. The upper parts are also black, the underparts are white, with a black mark on each thigh. The bill is dark grey, and the eyes are blue-green. The legs and feet are black. This species is also called the Black-faced Shag (shags are strictly marine cormorants).
Similar species
The similarly sized and coloured Pied Cormorant, P. varius, has a yellow-orange naked face and a paler, grey bill. The Little Pied Cormorant, P. melanoleucos, is smaller and has a yellow bill.
Where does it live?
Distribution
The Black-faced Cormorant is found along the southern coasts of mainland Australia and Tasmania, and is common in Bass Strait and in Spencer Gulf, South Australia.
Habitat
Black-faced Cormorants frequent coastal waters and are found in flocks in large bays, deep inlets, rocky headlands and islands. They seldom visit beaches.
Seasonal movements
Black-faced Cormorants are sedentary.
What does it do?
Feeding
Black-faced Cormorants feed on small fish, which they catch by diving from the surface. After fishing, they sit with wings outstretched, apparently to dry their non-waterproofed feathers.
Breeding
The Black-faced Cormorant breeds throughout the year in large colonies on off-shore islands. The nest is always on the ground, usually of seaweed and grasses on bare rock.
References
Pizzey, G. and Knight, F. 1997. Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Angus and Robertson, Sydney.
Simpson, K and Day, N. 1999. Field guide to the birds of Australia, 6th Edition. Penguin Books, Australia.
Higgins, P.J. and S.J.J.F. Davies (eds) 1996. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, Volume 3 (Snipe to Pigeons). Oxford University Press, Victoria.
Slater, P, Slater, P, and Slater, R 1989. The Slater Field Guide to Australian Birds. Lansdowne. Revised edition.