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==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
{{GSearch|Phalacrocorax+niger}} | {{GSearch|Phalacrocorax+niger}} | ||
| + | *[http://www.orientalbirdimages.org/birdimages.php?action=birdspecies&Bird_ID=1089&Bird_Image_ID=126&Bird_Family_ID=115 View more images of this species on Orientalbirdimages] | ||
[[Category:Birds]] | [[Category:Birds]] | ||
Revision as of 08:50, 7 September 2007
- Phalacrocorax niger
Identification
Location: kumarakom, India
This is a common and widespread bird species. This is a small cormorant, 55 cm in length. Its rectangular head profile and short bill are distinctions from the somewhat larger Indian Cormorant. Little Cormorant is mainly glossy black in the breeding season, with white head plumes and a whitish throat. The wing coverts are silvery, and it has a longish tail.
Sexes are similar, but non-breeding adults and juveniles are browner and lack the head plumes.
Distribution
The Little Cormorant (Phalacrocorax niger) is a member of the cormorant family of seabirds. It breeds in tropical south Asia from Southern Pakistan through India and Sri Lanka east to Indonesia. It is resident but undertakes some limited seasonal movements.
Taxonomy
Habitat
It breeds in freshwater wetlands and on coasts.
Behaviour
3-5 eggs are laid in a nest in a tree or long grass. The Little Cormorant can dive to considerable depths, but usually feeds in shallow water. It frequently brings prey to the surface. A wide variety of fish are taken.
