The Australian Pied Cormorant, scientifically known as Phalacrocorax varius, is a medium-sized member of the cormorant family. It is commonly referred to as the pied cormorant, pied shag, or great pied cormorant. This species is found around the coasts of Australasia, including Australia and New Zealand. In New Zealand, it is known as the pied shag or kāruhiruhi in Māori.
The Australian pied cormorant is predominantly black on its back and upper surface of the wings and white on the underside. It has a small yellow patch between the bill and the eye on each side of the head, which was the reason for its historical common name of “yellow-faced cormorant.” The bird stands between 65-85 cm tall, with a wingspan of 110-130 cm. It has large webbed feet, a large hooked bill, green eyes with a blue eye ring, and black legs and feet.
The Australian pied cormorant is a sedentary species, and its range extends throughout mainland Australia and coastal areas of New Zealand. It is listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, reflecting its stable population.
Key Takeaways:
- The Australian Pied Cormorant is a medium-sized member of the cormorant family.
- It is commonly known as the pied cormorant, pied shag, or great pied cormorant.
- The species is found in Australasia, including Australia and New Zealand.
- Its distinctive features include a yellow patch on each side of the head and green eyes with a blue eye ring.
- The Australian pied cormorant has a stable population and is listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List.
Distribution, Habitat, and Behavior
The Australian Pied Cormorant is a versatile bird that can be found in a variety of habitats. Its distribution spans both marine and inland waters, making it a highly adaptable species.
In marine habitats, such as estuaries, harbors, bays, and coastal areas, the Australian Pied Cormorant thrives. These areas provide ample opportunities for the bird to find its preferred prey and establish suitable perches for roosting and resting. The cormorant is particularly attracted to locations with available perches, which serve as vantage points for spotting prey and drying its feathers after fishing.
In addition to marine habitats, the Australian Pied Cormorant is known to inhabit inland waters, including lakes, wetlands, and rivers. This adaptability allows the bird to explore a range of environments and take advantage of diverse food sources.
When it comes to feeding behavior, the pied cormorant is an expert fisherman. It primarily feeds on benthic fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and cephalopods. The bird captures its prey by diving and swimming underwater, using its large webbed feet for propulsion. Its agile movements underwater enable it to snatch fish with precision and efficiency.
After a successful fishing session, the Australian Pied Cormorant can often be observed perched on a branch or rock with its wings outstretched. This behavior serves an important purpose – the cormorant’s feathers are not waterproof, so by holding its wings open, it allows them to dry effectively. This unique adaptation ensures that the bird can maintain its buoyancy and continue its feeding activities.
The pied cormorant is equally comfortable feeding in shallow, still water as well as in rapidly moving currents. It capitalizes on both environments depending on the availability of prey. Whether hunting individually or in larger groups, the Australian Pied Cormorant exhibits impressive diving skills and foraging techniques, particularly when schools of small fish are abundant.
Overall, the Australian Pied Cormorant is a resilient species that thrives in various aquatic environments. Its ability to adapt to different habitats and effectively hunt for prey showcases its remarkable survival instincts and ensures its presence in both marine and inland waters.
Breeding and Conservation Status
The Australian Pied Cormorant, also known as the Phalacrocorax varius, is a fascinating bird that breeds in colonies across its range. These colonies can be found on coastal islands, flooded tree plains, mangroves, and even occasionally on artificial structures. When it comes to nesting, the Australian Pied Cormorant builds large platforms made of sticks, twigs, and foliage, cemented together with droppings. These nests are either placed in trees or on the ground.
During the breeding season, both parents actively participate in nest-building, incubating the eggs, and feeding the young. Breeding pairs typically lay a clutch of 2-5 eggs once a year. The incubation period lasts around 25-33 days, and after hatching, the chicks are cared for by their parents for about 47-60 days. It takes just over 3 months for the young cormorants to gain their independence.
The conservation status of the Australian Pied Cormorant is of significant concern. While this species is classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to its relatively stable population trends, it faces different conservation challenges in specific regions. In New Zealand, the Australian Pied Cormorant is listed as “nationally vulnerable,” indicating a higher level of conservation concern. Despite heavy persecution in the early 1900s, the population in New Zealand has shown signs of recovery and has been steadily increasing in recent years. Conservation efforts aim to protect nesting sites and manage potential threats such as fishing activities and habitat degradation to ensure the long-term survival of this remarkable bird.