Bird Guide

Cape Cormorant vs Spotted Shag

Cape Cormorant (Phalacrocorax capensis)

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
Spotted Shag (Phalacrocorax punctatus)

Spotted Shag

Phalacrocorax punctatus

Large1.2 kgMarine

The spotted shag is a medium-sized marine bird. They are usually between 64 and 74 centimetres (25 and 29 in) high and weigh between 700 and 1,200 grams (25 and 42 oz). Their bodies are very slim and they have a very distinctive black, decurved, double crest growing on their nape and their forehead. They have a long, slender, orange-brown coloured, hooked bill and yellow-orange feet. The feathers on their bodies are grey and blue. The adults have small black spots on their backs and wings, which gave them their name. Their irises are brown, while the ring around the iris is blue.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand · CC0

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