Cape Cormorant
Phalacrocorax capensis
The Cape Cormorant (Phalacrocorax capensis) is a uncommon cormorants and shag found in 4 countries, weighing about 1.2 kg. The Cape cormorant, also known as the Cape shag, is a member of the cormorant family.
About the Cape Cormorant
The Cape cormorant, also known as the Cape shag, is a member of the cormorant family. It is endemic to the southwestern coast of Africa, and classified as "Endangered" by the IUCN. The Cape cormorant is most closely related to the great cormorant and Japanese cormorant.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The Cape cormorant is a blue-black bird with a glossy shine. The entire body follows the same coloration. There is little to no sexual dimorphism, with both males and females measuring 61–64 cm and weighing 1.1-1.3 kg, along with a similar plumage. The beak is dark grey-black, and a deep yellow-orange gular pouch can be observed. The eyes are turquoise with a greenish eye-ring around them. Both non-breeding and immature adults have duller plumage, with a brown throat for immature adults. Juveniles are browner than immature adults, with grey eyes and a black, white, or speckled gular pouch. Voice: Vocalization in Cape cormorants is mostly used during the breeding season. Its use is significantly reduced, or even absent, during the non-breeding period. There are five vocalization variations in adults, and three in chicks. Adult Cape cormorants have different vocalizations for flying, courtship, maintenance, feeding, and the presence of a threat.
Where it lives
When to see it
The Cape Cormorant can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Cape Cormorant?
- The Cape cormorant is a blue-black bird with a glossy shine. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Cape Cormorant?
- The Cape Cormorant is a large sized bird weighing about 1.2 kg.
- Where can you see a Cape Cormorant?
- The Cape Cormorant occurs in 4 countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Angola and Mozambique.
- What birds look similar to a Cape Cormorant?
- The Cape Cormorant is most easily confused with the Spotted Shag, the Black-faced Cormorant and the Japanese Cormorant.
- Is the Cape Cormorant endangered?
- The Cape Cormorant is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Cape Cormorant for real
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