©Glen Ferguson: Phalacrocorax varius
Colours
Distinguishing features
They have black upperparts and white underparts. They have a long pale bill. They have a blue eye ring and a yellow marking just in front of the eye.
Immature birds have browner plumage duller facial markings.
Size
- From 70 cm to 75 cm (Length of specimen)
Wingspan
- Wingspan data is not yet available.
Synonyms
Similar taxa
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution: Pied Cormorant (Phalacrocorax (Phalacrocorax) varius)
Distribution and habitat preferences
In New Zealand its range on the east coast extends as far south as Christchurch. In Australia it is only moderately common in the eastern states, but abundant in the west.
Although typically found in marine habitat—sometimes solitary, sometimes in pairs, sometimes in vast flocks of hundreds or thousands—it is also attracted to inland waters, including lakes, deep and open swamps, and rivers. (Wikipedia)
Diet
It appears to feed largely on benthic fish. It will dive both in shallow, still water and in rapidly moving currents. Typical dive times are around 40 seconds, with a recovery period of 10–15 seconds between dives. (Wikipedia)
