LITTLE PIED CORMORANT
Microcarbo melanoleucos
DESCRIPTION
The Little Pied Cormorant is a small, black-and-white waterbird that typically measures about 60-70 cm in length. It has a distinctive appearance with a white throat and underparts, contrasting with its dark upperparts and a short, hooked bill. This species is known for its agile swimming and diving abilities, often seen foraging in shallow waters for fish and other aquatic prey.
FUN FACTS
- The Little Pied Cormorant is known for its unique drying behavior, where it spreads its wings wide to dry after diving
- This behavior is not only practical but also a striking sight, as the bird often perches in prominent locations to display its wings
- | These cormorants have a fascinating hunting technique; they can dive to depths of up to 10 meters to catch fish, using their webbed feet to propel themselves underwater
- Their ability to hold their breath for extended periods makes them efficient hunters in their aquatic environments
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-15 years in the wild
Average Weight1-1.5 kg
Average Length60-70 cm
Diet TypePiscivore
Social StructureThey can be solitary or found in small groups, especially when foraging.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring to early summer
- Habitat
- This cormorant prefers freshwater and brackish habitats, often found near lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. It is commonly seen perched on rocks or trees near water bodies.
- Biomes
- Wetlands, Coastal
- Native Range
- The Little Pied Cormorant is native to Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Southeast Asia.
- Continent
- Australia, Asia
- Countries
- Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea
- Diet
- The Little Pied Cormorant primarily feeds on fish, crustaceans, and aquatic invertebrates. It uses its diving skills to catch prey underwater.
- Diet Type
- Piscivore
- Favorite Food
- small fish, crustaceans
- Social Structure
- They can be solitary or found in small groups, especially when foraging.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-10
- Territorial
- 0
VU
LC
LC
1-1.5 kg
Weight
60-70 cm
Length
- Coloration
- Black upperparts with white underparts and throat.
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 3-5
- Sexual Maturity
- 2-3 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring to early summer
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable, with no major threats identified.
- Wild Population Estimate
- Unknown
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat loss due to wetland drainage and pollution. However, the species is generally adaptable and resilient.
- Predators
- Birds of prey, large fish, and domestic cats.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They often rely on their swimming ability to evade predators, diving underwater when threatened.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon