The little black cormorant is a member of the cormorant family of seabirds. It is common in smaller rivers and lakes throughout most areas of Australia and northern New Zealand, where it is known as the little black shag. It is around sixty centimetres long, and is all black with blue-green eyes.
Region
Australasia
Typical Environment
Widespread across Australia and locally in northern New Zealand, with occurrences in parts of New Guinea and nearby islands. It favors inland and coastal freshwater habitats including rivers, lakes, reservoirs, wetlands, and farm dams. It also uses estuaries and sheltered coastal lagoons but generally avoids the open sea. Roosts are communal, often in trees or on snags near water, and colonies may shift with water availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the little black shag in New Zealand, this sleek cormorant is a proficient underwater pursuit diver that often fishes cooperatively in tight flocks. After dives it frequently perches with wings spread to dry, a classic cormorant posture. It nests colonially, often in trees over water, sometimes alongside other waterbirds. Its striking blue-green eyes are especially noticeable in good light.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, direct low flight over water
Social Behavior
Highly gregarious, forming dense flocks for roosting and feeding. Breeds colonially, building stick nests in trees or shrubs over or near water; both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing. Often forages cooperatively, herding fish toward shallows.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet away from colonies. At breeding sites it gives low guttural grunts, croaks, and hisses during displays and territorial interactions.
