How to identify the Pelagic Cormorant

To correctly identify the Pelagic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pelagicus), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

63-76 cm (25-30 in)

Wingspan

91-102 cm (36-40 in)

Weight

1.5-2.4 kg (3.3-5.3 lbs)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adult breeding plumage is glossy, iridescent black or dark green, with two distinct white flank patches (often visible in flight or when perched). Non-breeding adults are duller, lacking the white flank patches and often showing some brownish tones. Juveniles are uniformly dull brown, lacking iridescence and white patches.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Slender, hooked bill, dark gray to black.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown, with a small patch of red facial skin around the eye, particularly noticeable in breeding adults.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Black.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Small head, slender neck, relatively thin bill, and the presence of white flank patches in breeding adults. Its flight profile is distinctive, with a long neck and tail, and rapid wingbeats.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Uniformly dull brown, lacking the iridescent sheen and white flank patches of adults. The bill is dark, and the facial skin is duller.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   Breeding adults develop two prominent white flank patches, a double crest (one on the forehead, one on the nape), and a more intense iridescent green or purple sheen to their black plumage. The red facial skin becomes brighter. Non-breeding adults lose the crests and white flank patches, and their plumage becomes duller.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are generally similar in appearance, though males may be slightly larger.

Key field marks

• Size and Shape. Look for a relatively small, slender cormorant with a long, thin neck and a small head. It appears more delicate than other cormorant species.
• Plumage (Breeding Adult). Observe the glossy, iridescent black or dark green plumage. Crucially, look for the two distinct white flank patches, which are often visible when perched or in flight. Also note the small double crests and bright red facial skin.
• Plumage (Non-breeding Adult/Juvenile). Non-breeding adults are duller black/brown and lack the white flank patches and crests. Juveniles are uniformly dull brown. The slender build remains a key identifier.
• Habitat and Behavior. Pelagic Cormorants are almost exclusively found on rocky coastlines, often perching on very steep cliff faces. They dive frequently and often hold their wings out to dry.
• Flight. Note the rapid, shallow wingbeats and direct flight path, often low over the water. The long neck and tail are noticeable in flight.

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