Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)

Identification & Behavior: ~64 cm (25 in). The Neotropic Cormorant is mostly black with a gray scaling effect on the back and wings. During the breeding season, adult birds show white tufts on the sides of the head and orange bare skin on the base of the mandible. Non-breeding birds and juveniles have a variable plumage that goes from gray-brown to whitish.  It is the most ubiquitous cormorant and is always associated with bodies of water where fish is plentiful. It is often seen on logs or other structure drying their open wings. Also, see Guanay Cormorant and Red-legged Cormorant.

Status: The Neotropic Cormorant is widespread and generally common where it occurs. It is the only cormorant in Amazonia and the high Andes. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, Bo, and Ch. 

Name in Spanish: Cormorán Neotropical o Cushuri.

Sub-species: Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus brasilianus) (Gmelin, JF, 1789).

Meaning of Name:  Phalacrocorax: Gr. Phalakrokorax=  loon, cormorant.  brasilianus: L. originating from Brazil. In reference to the fact that this species was first described from specimens from Brazil.

Go to the Family Phalacrocoracidae