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The bank cormorant, also known as Wahlberg's cormorant, is a medium-sized cormorant that is endemic to Namibia and the western seaboard of South Africa, living in and around coastal waters; it is rarely recorded more than 15 km offshore.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The bank cormorant is a heavy-bodied bird, roughly 75 cm in length. It is generally black in appearance with a bronze sheen, though the wings are a dark brown rather than a true black. Adults have a small crest on their heads, and normally have a white rump. Pale eyes in an all black face are considered to be distinctive for adults, with immature birds having dark eyes.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Angola.
When to see it
Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Socotra CormorantPhalacrocorax nigrogularisThe Socotra cormorant is a threatened species of cormorant that is endemic to the Persian Gulf and the south-east coast of the Arabian Peninsula.
Pitt ShagPhalacrocorax featherstoniMembers of the shag family belong to three groups, based on the color of their feet: black, yellow or pink.
Learn the Bank Cormorant for real
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