The Socotra cormorant is a threatened species of cormorant that is endemic to the Persian Gulf and the south-east coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It is also sometimes known as the Socotran cormorant or, more rarely, as the Socotra shag. Individuals occasionally migrate as far west as the Red Sea coast. Despite its name, it was only confirmed in 2005 that it breeds on the Socotra islands in the Indian Ocean.
Region
Persian/Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, extending to the Arabian Sea and Socotra
Typical Environment
This species breeds on low, rocky or sandy offshore islands, often barren or sparsely vegetated, and roosts on islets, sandbars, and coastal cliffs. It forages in nearshore marine waters over shallow continental shelves and along productive tidal fronts. Birds commonly form large feeding rafts and coordinate pursuit dives for schooling fishes. It avoids freshwater habitats and spends most of its life at sea close to coasts.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 50 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Socotra cormorant is a large, dark seabird restricted to the Persian/Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and nearby Arabian Sea coasts. It nests in dense colonies on remote offshore islands and is highly sensitive to disturbance, oiling, and coastal development. Despite its name, breeding on the Socotra archipelago (Yemen) was only confirmed in 2005, and some birds disperse as far as the Red Sea outside the breeding season.
Temperament
social and colonial, wary at nesting sites
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady, rapid wingbeats; often flies low over the sea in lines or V-formations
Social Behavior
Breeds in large, dense colonies on offshore islands, nesting on the ground in shallow scrapes. Pairs are seasonally monogamous; both parents incubate and feed chicks. Outside breeding, birds gather in sizable roosts and feeding rafts.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet at sea, but colonies are noisy with harsh croaks, grunts, and hissing calls. Vocalizations are mostly associated with breeding displays and territorial interactions.
