Cape Cormorant (Phalacrocorax capensis)

Other Names (World)
Cape Cormorant, Cape Shag

Family
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants)

Size
64 cm

First Described (Guide)
(Sparrman, 1789)

Habitat
Cliffs and ledges on the mainland and on offshore islands. Occasionally in the brackish waters of coastal lagoons, estuaries and harbours.

Range (Guide)

Angola (NB), Congo [The Democratic Republic of the] (NB), Mozambique (NB), Namibia (B) (NB), South Africa (B) (NB).

Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.

Population
Estimated population is 140,000 (2010) and fluctuating.

Status EN
Food availability, predation by fur seals, and pollution are the main threats.

For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.

Food
Pelagic schooling fish, although occasionally some invertebrates including crustaceans, molluscs and cephalopods.

Voice
Xeno-Canto Sound Files (more (1)...)

Cape Cormorant (Phalacrocorax capensis) [XC392619]
by id from Stone Point, Betty's Bay, Western Cape, South Africa (call)

Cape Cormorant (Phalacrocorax capensis) [XC292038]
by Peter Boesman from Stony Point, Betty's Bay, Western Cape, South Africa (call)

Nest
Composed of seaweed, sticks and stems, mainly on cliffs and ledges, and flat inland areas of offshore islands. Caves, estuarine sand islands, guano platforms and other artificial structures are also used. In large colonies.

Eggs (Guide)
1 - 5, but mainly 2 - 3. Incubation: 22 - 28 days.

Young
Fledge in about 63 days.

Subspecies
No subspecies.

Similar Species
Bank Cormorant (Phalacrocorax neglectus) which lacks an orange gular patch, has a thicker and less snake-like neck, and brown rather than blue iris.

References
See References.

Files:

JPG files for Cape Cormorant (Phalacrocorax capensis) - 10 files

More Information

BirdLife International

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BirdLife International Species Factsheet.

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