A medium-sized and slender cormorant with predominantly black to dark-brown plumage, showing subtle brownish gloss depending on the light. It has a long and flexible neck, and a narrow bill with a slight hook at the tip, adapted for capturing aquatic prey. Bare skin at the base of the bill displays yellow to orange tones that contrast with the dark body. Its wings are elongated, and it commonly adopts the characteristic wing-spreading posture to dry its feathers, as they are not fully waterproof. Juveniles appear browner and somewhat mottled.
Geographical distribution: Widespread throughout the Americas, occurring from the southern United States through Central America, the Caribbean, and much of South America, reaching Chile and Argentina. It inhabits both coastal and inland aquatic environments, reflecting its high ecological adaptability.
Habitat: Occupies aquatic ecosystems including rivers, lakes, lagoons, estuaries, bays and coastal waters. It uses logs, docks, rocks and human-made structures for resting, drying and observing its surroundings. Prefers sites with abundant fish and readily accessible perches.
Diet: Its diet is primarily piscivorous, consisting mainly of fish captured through active diving. It also takes crustaceans and small aquatic invertebrates. It performs deep and agile dives, propelling itself with its feet and maneuvering efficiently underwater.
Behavior: A gregarious species, especially outside the breeding season, forming large communal roosts in trees, islands or coastal structures. It alternates periods of foraging with long intervals of resting and drying its wings. Its flight is swift and direct, with steady wingbeats. Vocal activity increases in colonies but remains limited elsewhere.
Breeding: Breeds in colonies, nesting in trees, dense vegetation, small islands or the edges of water bodies. The nest is a platform of sticks, stems and moist plant material. Clutches usually contain 3 to 5 eggs, with both adults involved in incubation and chick rearing.
Conservation status: Classified globally as Least Concern (LC), with stable and widespread populations. Its adaptability to altered environments and tolerance of human presence near water contribute to its favorable conservation status.
Author of this compilation: EcoRegistros – 08/12/2025