Recent Articles
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Guanay Cormorant – Description, Characteristics and Facts
The Guanay Cormorant, also known as the ‘Guanay’ or ‘Shag’, is a species of water bird belonging to the family Phalacrocoracidae. With the scientific name Phalacrocorax bougainvillii, this medium-sized bird is native to the coasts of Peru and Chile, where it can be found inhabiting rocky cliffs and islands. The Guanay Cormorant has a distinctive…
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Bank Cormorant – Description, Characteristics and Facts
The Bank Cormorant, a species of cormorant, belongs to the family Phalacrocoracidae. With around 40 species, cormorants and shags are aquatic birds known for their fascinating characteristics. Bank Cormorants are medium-to-large birds, weighing between 0.35 to 5 kilograms, and boasting a wingspan of 60 to 100 centimeters. These coastal birds are recognizable by their dark…
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Reed Cormorant – Description, Characteristics and Facts
The reed cormorant, also known as the long-tailed cormorant, is a bird in the cormorant family Phalacrocoracidae. It is found in much of Africa south of the Sahara and Madagascar. The scientific name for the reed cormorant is Microcarbo africanus. It is a small cormorant, measuring about 50-55 cm in length with a wingspan of…
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Imperial Shag – Description, Characteristics and Facts
The imperial shag, scientifically known as Leucocarbo atriceps, is a black and white cormorant native to southern South America. It is primarily found in rocky coastal regions and large inland lakes. The taxonomy of the imperial shag is complex, with several subspecies often considered separate species. The bird has a distinctive appearance, with glossy black…
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Black Faced Cormorant – Description, Characteristics and Facts
The Black Faced Cormorant, scientifically known as Phalacrocorax fuscescens, is a large pied (black and white) cormorant with a distinctive black face. These waterbirds can be found along the southern coasts of mainland Australia and Tasmania, as well as in Bass Strait and Spencer Gulf, South Australia. Black Faced Cormorants are known for their preference…
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Cape Cormorant – Description, Characteristics and Facts
The Cape Cormorant, also known as the Phalacrocorax capensis, is a medium-sized, glossy marine cormorant. It can be easily identified by its rounded crestless head, orange throat pouch, and stunning turquoise eye. Unlike other cormorants, the Cape Cormorant forages in much deeper waters and dominates rocky coastal roosting sites. It is the default marine cormorant…
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Spotted Shag – Description, Characteristics and Facts
The spotted shag is a fascinating marine bird that is native to New Zealand. With its beautiful plumage and unique features, it is truly a remarkable creature. In this section, we will explore the description, characteristics, and interesting facts about the spotted shag. Key Takeaways: Distribution and Habitat The Spotted Shag, also known as the…
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Red Faced Cormorant – Description, Characteristics and Facts
The Red-Faced Cormorant is a trim, glossy-black bird with a vivid cherry-red face and yellowish bill during the breeding season. It is slightly larger and bulkier than the Pelagic Cormorant, but can be difficult to discern at a distance. Red-Faced Cormorants are known for their unique nesting behavior, often choosing to nest on steep cliff…
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Antarctic Shag – Description, Characteristics and Facts
The Antarctic Shag, also known as the Imperial Cormorant or Blue-eyed Shag, is the only species of cormorant found in the Antarctic region. Scientifically classified as Leucocarbo bransfieldensis and belonging to the family Phalacrocoracidae, this remarkable bird stands about 75-77 cm tall and has a wingspan of 124 cm. Weighing between 1.5-3.5 kg, the Antarctic…
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Crowned Cormorant – Description, Characteristics and Facts
The crowned cormorant, scientifically known as Microcarbo coronatus, is a fascinating species of waterbird belonging to the cormorant family, Phalacrocoracidae. It is the only member of its genus, making it a unique and distinctive bird. First described by Wahlberg in 1855, the crowned cormorant’s type locality is Possession Island, South West Africa. Key Takeaways Habitat…