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.
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.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Mayotte.
When to see it
Peak activity in November · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Pygmy CormorantMicrocarbo pygmaeusThe pygmy cormorant is a member of the Phalacrocoracidae (cormorant) family of seabirds.
Crowned CormorantMicrocarbo coronatusThe crowned cormorant is 50–55 cm in length.
Little CormorantMicrocarbo nigerThe little cormorant is about 50 centimetres (20 in) long and only slightly smaller than the Indian cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis).
Side by side: Little Pied Cormorant vs Reed Cormorant · Little Cormorant vs Reed Cormorant · Brandt's Cormorant vs Reed Cormorant
Learn the Reed Cormorant for real
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