Bird guideLittle Black Cormorant

A field study at two storage lakes, Lake Cargelligo and Lake Brewster, in south-western New South Wales found that the introduced common carp made up over half of its food intake.

⚠️Not listed
🍃Indigenous: Bonbon, Jiliwirid, Gungurl, Wurrjawayawaya, Arrawuwarrg, Little Black Shag, Cormorant, Shag

At a glance

FamilyCormorants and Shags
SizeLarge
RarityCommon
HabitatIt is a predominantly freshwater species, found in bodies of water inland and occasionally sheltered coastal areas.
Best timeMost reliable in New South Wales from September to February.

Sounds

Sound sample
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Recorded by James Lambert

Range map

Range map

7972visible hotspots
567955visible records
6states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence

Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.

Species notes

Overview

Much smaller than Great Cormorant, and lacks that species’ yellow/white face.

Behavior

Often forms large flocks both in the air and while foraging on the water. Abundant along coasts and inland waterways.

Regional timing

Western Australia
Peak: September to March45,355 records
Victoria
Peak: October to April142,326 records
New South Wales
Peak: September to February158,526 records
South Australia
Peak: September to January26,379 records
Queensland
Peak: January to December163,809 records
Northern Territory
Peak: July to October9,138 records
Tasmania
Peak: September to February12,304 records
Australian Capital Territory
Peak: January to March16,544 records
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