The Japanese cormorant, also known as Temminck's cormorant, is a cormorant native to the east Palearctic.
Region
Northwest Pacific and East Asia
Typical Environment
Found along the coasts of Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and the Russian Far East, including Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands. It favors rocky shorelines, sea cliffs, and sheltered bays, as well as harbors and breakwaters. Breeding occurs on offshore islets and coastal cliffs where ledges provide secure nesting sites. Outside the breeding season it remains largely coastal, foraging close inshore but can range over open nearshore waters. It occasionally enters estuaries and lower reaches of rivers.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called Temminck's cormorant, it is a coastal seabird of the northwest Pacific, especially around Japan. It is famously trained for traditional night fishing (ukai) in parts of Japan, though it is not domesticated. An agile pursuit diver, it propels itself underwater with powerful webbed feet and can remain submerged for close to a minute. Colonies nest on sea cliffs and offshore islets, often alongside other seabirds.
Eggs, Collection Museum Wiesbaden
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, direct wingbeats low over the water
Social Behavior
Breeds colonially on sea cliffs and rocky islets, with pairs forming seasonal bonds. Nests are built from seaweed and sticks cemented with guano on ledges or flatter cliff tops. Both sexes share incubation and chick rearing. Outside the breeding season it gathers in loose flocks at roosts and feeding areas.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet away from colonies, where it gives low guttural croaks and grunts. At nesting sites, adults exchange harsh calls during displays and nest changeovers.
