The neotropic cormorant or olivaceous cormorant is a medium-sized cormorant found throughout the American tropics and subtropics, from the middle Rio Grande and the Gulf and Californian coasts of the United States south through Mexico and Central America to southern South America, where it is called by the indigenous name of biguá. It also breeds in the Bahamas, Cuba, and Trinidad. It can be found both on coasts and in inland waters. There are at least two subspecies: N. b. mexicanum from Nicaragua northwards and N. b. brasilianum further south. In Peru, the neotropic cormorant is used by the Uru people for fishing.
Region
American tropics and subtropics (Neotropics)
Typical Environment
Occurs from the southern United States through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean to southern South America. Found on coasts, estuaries, mangroves, lagoons, and extensively on inland lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and wetlands. It readily uses human-made habitats such as fish ponds and urban waterways. Roosts communally on pilings, snags, and trees near water and often forms large breeding colonies.
Altitude Range
0–4000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the olivaceous cormorant, it is the smallest widespread cormorant in the Americas and often perches with wings spread to dry after diving. It can be confused with the Double-crested Cormorant but is slimmer with a longer tail and a thin pale border around the gular pouch. Two main subspecies are recognized: N. b. mexicanum in the north and N. b. brasilianum farther south. In parts of Peru and Bolivia, local communities have traditionally used trained birds to help with fishing.
Temperament
social and gregarious
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, direct wingbeats low over water
Social Behavior
Breeds colonially on trees, shrubs, reeds, or cliffs near water, often mixed with herons and ibises. Nests are stick platforms lined with vegetation; pairs are seasonally monogamous. Roosts and forages in groups and sometimes cooperatively herds fish.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally silent away from colonies. At colonies it gives low grunts, croaks, and guttural calls, especially during displays. Non-musical and quiet compared to many waterbirds.
