Reed Cormorant

Microcarbo africanus

Least Concern · IUCN Red List

LCLeast ConcernFishWetlandPlatform nestLarge · 545 g

ID tip

This is a small cormorant, 50–55 cm (20–22 in) in overall length with a wingspan of 80–90 cm (31–35 in). It is mainly black, glossed green, in the breeding season. The wing coverts are silvery. It has a longish tail, a short head crest and a red or yellow face patch. The bill is yellow. The sexes are similar, but non-breeding adults and juveniles are browner, with a white belly. Some southern races retain the crest all year round.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

When to see the Reed Cormorant

One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is November, the month with the most records.

Where to see the Reed Cormorant

Regular rangeRare visitor

The map shades 47 countries with regular records, and 1 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.

Recorded as a rare visitor in Mayotte.

About the Reed Cormorant

The reed cormorant, also known as the long-tailed cormorant, is a bird in the cormorant family Phalacrocoracidae. It breeds in much of Africa south of the Sahara, and Madagascar. It is resident but undertakes some seasonal movements.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Easily confused with

Side by side: Little Pied Cormorant vs Reed Cormorant · Little Cormorant vs Reed Cormorant · European Shag vs Reed Cormorant · Crowned Cormorant vs Reed Cormorant

Learn the Reed Cormorant in the BeakBrain App

Photo and call practice. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.

Play today's Daily Bird

Every photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.