Cape Cormorant vs Little Black 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

Little Black Cormorant

Phalacrocorax sulcirostris

Large995 gWetland

The little black cormorant is a small cormorant measuring 60–65 cm (23.5–25.5 in) with all black plumage. The back has a greenish sheen. In breeding season, white feathers appear irregularly about the head and neck, with a whitish eyebrow evident. The plumage is a more fade brown afterwards. Males and females are identical in plumage. The long slender bill is grey, and legs and feet black. The iris of the adult is green and the juvenile brown. Immature birds have brown and black plumage.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: patrickkavanagh · CC BY 2.0

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