The little cormorant is a member of the cormorant family of seabirds. Slightly smaller than the Indian cormorant it lacks a peaked head and has a shorter beak. It is widely distributed across the Indian Subcontinent and extends east to Java, where it is sometimes called the Javanese cormorant. It forages singly or sometimes in loose groups in lowland freshwater bodies, including small ponds, large lakes, streams and sometimes coastal estuaries. Like other cormorants, it is often found perched on a waterside rock with its wings spread out after coming out of the water. The entire body is black in the breeding season but the plumage is brownish, and the throat has a small whitish patch in the non-breeding season. These birds breed gregariously in trees, often joining other waterbirds at heronries.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Widely distributed across the Indian Subcontinent east to Myanmar, Thailand, and Java. Prefers lowland freshwater habitats including ponds, lakes, marshes, slow-flowing rivers, irrigation canals, and rice fields. It also uses sheltered estuaries and mangroves near coasts. The species adapts well to human-altered wetlands and urban water bodies. Roosts communally in trees near water and often shares sites with other colonial waterbirds.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, stocky cormorant often seen perched with wings spread to dry after diving. It is frequently confused with the Indian Cormorant but lacks the peaked head and has a shorter, stubbier bill. Little cormorants readily use human-made wetlands such as reservoirs and rice paddies. They often breed in mixed colonies with herons, egrets, and other waterbirds.
Breeding plumage (Kolkata, India)
Little cormorant in the Oussudu Bird Sanctuary
In the inland waters of Western Ghats, Southern India
Wing-spreading (Kolkata, India)
Swimming
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over water
Social Behavior
Usually forages singly or in loose groups but is strongly gregarious at roosts and breeding colonies. Nests in trees over or near water, often in mixed heronries, building stick platforms. Clutch size commonly 3–5 eggs, with both parents incubating and feeding chicks. Outside breeding, forms communal roosts and often perches with wings spread to dry.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally quiet away from colonies. At nesting sites it gives low grunts, croaks, and guttural calls during displays and territorial interactions. Vocalizations are harsh and brief rather than musical.
