Cape Cormorant vs Indian Cormorant

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

Indian Cormorant

Phalacrocorax fuscicollis

Large706 gWetland

This medium-sized bronze brown cormorant is scalloped in black on the upper plumage, lacks a crest and has a small and slightly peaked head with a long narrow bill that ends in a hooked tip. The eyes are blue and it has bare yellow facial skin during the non-breeding season. Breeding birds have a short white ear tuft. In some plumages it has a white throat but the white is restricted below the gape unlike in the much larger great cormorant. Sexes are similar, but non-breeding adults and juveniles are browner.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Aparna · CC BY 4.0

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