Australian pied cormorant

The Australian pied cormorant, also known as the pied cormorant, pied shag, or great pied cormorant, is a medium-sized member of the cormorant family. It is found around the coasts of Australasia. In New Zealand, it is usually known either as the pied shag or by its Māori name of kāruhiruhi. Older sources may refer to it as the "yellow-faced cormorant".

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Distribution

Region

Australasia

Typical Environment

Occurs widely around coastal Australia and New Zealand, with concentrations in sheltered bays, estuaries, lagoons, and harbors. It favors inshore waters and is uncommon far offshore, occasionally entering large inland lakes or rivers near the coast. Roosts on rocky islets, mangroves, wharves, and piers. Breeding colonies are typically near water, often in trees, mangroves, or on islands protected from heavy surf.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 200 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size65–80 cm

Wing Span100–130 cm

Male Weight2.3 kg

Female Weight1.8 kg

Life Expectancy12 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Also called the pied shag or great pied cormorant, this striking black-and-white seabird is common along Australian and New Zealand coasts. It is often seen perched with wings outstretched to dry after diving. It nests colonially in trees or mangroves near sheltered waters, and is frequently spotted around harbors and jetties. It can be confused with the smaller Little Pied Cormorant, but has a longer bill and prominent yellow facial skin.

Gallery

Watercolour by Georg Forster who accompanied James Cook on his second voyage

Distribution of pied cormorant in Australia and New Zealand[8] and the population trends in New Zealand[9]

With nesting material

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

strong flier with steady wingbeats, often skimming low over water

Social Behavior

Typically roosts and breeds in colonies, sometimes mixed with other cormorants. Pairs are seasonally monogamous, building stick nests in trees or mangroves near water. Both sexes incubate and feed the young by regurgitation.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Generally quiet away from colonies. At breeding sites it produces guttural croaks and grunts, with chicks begging in higher-pitched calls.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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