About the Black-faced Cormorant
The black-faced cormorant, also known as the black-faced shag, is a medium-sized member of the cormorant family. Upperparts, including facial skin and bill, are black, with white underparts. It is endemic to coastal regions of southern Australia.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
Like other cormorant species, the black-faced cormorant is a large aquatic bird, with a long hooked bill, webbed feet, and monochromatic plumage. This is one of the largest cormorants found in south-western Australia and has pied plumage with the upper half of its body black and the undersides white. Its face is naked and black, hence the "black-faced" name, and the tail, feet, and thighs are also black. The back feathers are glossy, and its bill is dark grey with a prominent hook at the tip. It has blue-green eyes. Voice: Black-faced cormorants are usually silent when away from the breeding colony. However, when they are at their nests, the male will emit a loud honk or guttural croak, and the female will hiss when approached.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in November · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Spotted ShagPhalacrocorax punctatusThe spotted shag is a medium-sized marine bird.
Japanese CormorantPhalacrocorax capillatusThe Japanese cormorant, also known as Temminck's cormorant, is a species of cormorant native to coastal areas of the east Palearctic.
Bank CormorantPhalacrocorax neglectusThe bank cormorant is a heavy-bodied bird, roughly 75 cm in length.
Learn the Black-faced Cormorant for real
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