Australian Pied Cormorant vs Cape Cormorant

Australian Pied Cormorant

Phalacrocorax varius

Huge1.9 kgCoastal

The pied cormorant is predominantly black on its back and upper surface of the wings and white on the underside with males weighing approximately 2.2 kg (4.9 lb) and females 1.7 kg (3.7 lb). It stands between 65 and 85 cm (26 and 33 in) tall, with a wingspan of 110–130 cm (43–51 in). A small yellow patch between the bill and the eye on each side of the head is likely to have been the reason for the historical common name. It has large webbed feet which it utilises to pursue fish underwater, steering with half opened wings.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Christian Mehlführer, User:Chmehl · CC BY 2.5

Cape Cormorant

Phalacrocorax capensis

Large1.2 kgMarine

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.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Ian Webb · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Australian Pied Cormorant and Cape Cormorant.