Cormorants

ORDER: Pelicaniformes
FAMILY: Phalacrocoracidae
GENUS: Phalacrocorax

Cormorants are typically black birds with slender bodies, webbed feet and short legs. Four species occur along the South African coast, three of which are endemic to South Africa - the Bank Cormorant,Cape Cormorant and Crowned Cormorant. The Whitebreasted Cormorant feeds primarily in estuaries and freshwater bodies, although certain marine populations of this species feed in the open ocean.Cormorant distribution coincides roughly with the highly productive Benguela Current, on the west coast of South Africa, a cold, nutrient-rich body of water that supplies these birds with abundant prey resources. Cormorants are pursuit divers with propulsion underwater provided by the feet. Their feathers get wet once they enter the water and they are commonly seen perched on rocks, spreading their wings out to dry. Cormorants are colonial breeders on rocky islands, cliffs and in trees.

Cape Cormorant Phalacrocorax capensis

This species of cormorant is the most common seabird in the region and is confined to the coast. Adult birds are green-black with a bright orange-yellow gape of the bill and a turquoise eye, and reach 65 cm in size. The Cape Cormorant breeds between Namibia and Port Elizabeth and they are often seen flying in long lines or V-shaped flocks. They breed in large aggregations on offshore islands and the mainland, with nests constructed from seaweed, stems and sticks. They feed mainly on small, pelagic schooling fish, primarily pilchard and anchovy, but also take squid and mussels. Population numbers in South Africa have declined considerably, from over a million birds in the early 1970s to around 120 000 pairs in the mid-1980s. Today the population trend is fluctuating and the species is classified as Near Threatened (IUCN Red List Category).

Bank Cormorant Phalacrocorax neglectus

This species is entirely black, occasionally with a white rump. They are heavier than the Cape Cormorant, reaching 75 cm in size, and have a dark bill and eye, as well as a small crest on the head. Bank Cormorants breed in small colonies on islands off the west coast, with seaweed nests generally constructed on top of large boulders. Their dives are shallow and they feed in kelp beds, with klipfish, gobies, rock lobster, octopus and cuttlefish being the main prey consumed. In recent years, Bank Cormorant numbers have decreased dramatically in southern Africa, due primarily to scarcity of food and competition with seals. Today the population trend is decreasing and the species is classified as Endangered (IUCN Red List Category).

Crowned Cormorant Phalacrocorax coronatus

This cormorant reaches 55 cm in size and is glossy green-black in colour, with a red eye and the gape of the bill is pale yellow. There is an apparent tuft of upright feathers at the base of the bill. Crowned Cormorants are coastal birds, breeding on the west coast of southern Africa, nesting in small colonies on rocky ledges, bushes, boulders, and on mounds of dried kelp. They feed on small fish and crustaceans, dwelling in shallow waters around islands or close to shore. The Crowned Cormorant population is small, but stable. Today the population trend is stable and the species is classified as Near Threatened (IUCN Red List Category).

White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

This is the largest of the cormorants, reaching 90 cm in size, and is distinguished by its white chest, with the rest of the body being brown. The White-breasted Cormorant nests on coastal islands or cliffs, and also occurs inland, at readily available water sources, such as lakes, rivers and marshes. Nests take the form of depressions or platforms of sticks, reeds and seaweed. This species feeds on fish, crustaceans, amphibians and molluscs. Today the population trend is increasing and the species is classified as Least Concern (IUCN Red List Category).