Little Black Cormorant

This Little Black Cormorant was resting in the sun on a perch above the river. I captured this photo just as it opened its beak, clearly showing the hooked tip of its upper bill, the perfect tool for catching fish.

Physical appearance

The Little Black Cormorant is a slim, all-black waterbird with a long, slender neck and fine bill. In the right light, its feathers can show a slight greenish or bronze sheen. Its eyes are a striking blue-green colour, particularly noticeable at close range. 

Habitat

Little Black Cormorants are common across most of Australia. They inhabit freshwater lakes, rivers, and wetlands, and can also be seen along sheltered coastal waters. They’re often found where fish are plentiful and are comfortable in both inland and coastal environments.

Behaviour

Diet: Little Black Cormorants feed mainly on small fish, which they catch by diving and chasing their prey underwater. They are powerful swimmers, using their webbed feet to propel themselves in pursuit of fish.
Social nature: These cormorants are usually seen in small groups, but sometimes gather in large flocks in the thousands, particularly when feeding or roosting. You may spot them fishing together, working as a team to herd fish into tighter groups.
Wing-drying habit: After fishing, they are often seen perched with wings outstretched, drying their feathers in the sun or breeze.

Breeding

Nesting: Little Black Cormorants build stick nests in colonies, often alongside other waterbirds. Nests are usually found in trees over water, on islands, or occasionally on reed beds. Both parents help build the nest, incubate the eggs, and feed the chicks.
Breeding period: Breeding can occur at any time of year, depending on local conditions and water levels, but often peaks in spring and summer.