The black-faced cormorant, also known as the black-faced shag, is a medium-sized member of the cormorant family. Upperparts, including facial skin and bill, are black, with white underparts. It is endemic to coastal regions of southern Australia.
Region
Southern Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs along rocky coasts, headlands, and offshore islands from Western Australia’s south coast through South Australia to Tasmania and the Bass Strait islands. It prefers nearshore marine waters with reefs, kelp beds, and strong tidal flow, and it often roosts on wave-washed rocks and cliffs. Nesting colonies occupy ledges, flat rock platforms, or low cliffs, typically close to productive feeding grounds. It is largely absent from inland waters and only occasionally enters sheltered bays and estuaries.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-faced cormorant, or black-faced shag, is a marine cormorant found only along the southern coastlines of Australia and Tasmania. It is a powerful pursuit diver that forages close to shore over rocky reefs and kelp beds. The species breeds colonially on offshore rocks and islands, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing. Unlike some cormorants, it is almost entirely coastal and rarely ventures inland.
Roosting, Bruny Island
In flight
A black-faced cormorant with juvenile plummage.
Black-faced cormorant in breeding plumage with fine white streaking on the back of the neck.
Rocky cliffs on the southern coast of Australia.
Black-faced cormorants holding wings out to dry their feathers after diving.
Temperament
colonial and wary near nesting sites
Flight Pattern
direct flight low over the water with rapid, powerful wingbeats
Social Behavior
Breeds in dense colonies on offshore rocks and islands, often alongside other seabirds. Pairs are monogamous within a season and both sexes build the nest and share incubation. Outside the breeding season, birds roost communally and may forage singly or in small loose groups.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally quiet at sea, but at colonies emits low grunts, croaks, and hisses. Vocalizations are most frequent during courtship, nest defense, and chick provisioning.
Plumage
Glossy black upperparts and face contrasting with clean white underparts; feathers sleek and close-fitting.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small to medium-sized coastal fishes, supplemented by cephalopods and occasional crustaceans. It is a pursuit diver, propelling itself underwater with strong kicks to chase prey among rocks and kelp. Dives are typically brief but can be repeated in quick succession, and birds often surface with prey held crosswise in the bill.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shallow to moderately deep nearshore waters over reefs, kelp forests, and around tidal rips and channels. Occasionally enters sheltered bays and estuary mouths where fish are concentrated.
