Bank Cormorant

The bank cormorant, known scientifically as Phalacrocorax neglectus and colloquially as Wahlberg's cormorant, is a medium-sized bird of the cormorant family. It presents a heavy-bodied silhouette, measuring approximately 75 cm in length. The plumage is predominantly black with a bronze sheen, while the wings exhibit a dark brown hue. Adult bank cormorants are adorned with a modest crest upon their heads and a distinctive white rump. Their faces are entirely black, punctuated by pale eyes, a feature that sets the adults apart from the juveniles, who have dark eyes.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the bank cormorant, look for the characteristic pale eyes set in a black face, the small head crest, and the white rump which contrasts with the darker body. The overall dark plumage with a bronze tint can also assist in distinguishing this species from others.

Habitat

The bank cormorant is a coastal bird, making its home in and around the marine waters of Namibia and the western seaboard of South Africa. It is a bird that seldom ventures more than 15 km from the shore.

Distribution

This species is endemic to the southwestern coast of Africa, with its range stretching from Namibia to the western coastal regions of South Africa.

Behaviour

The bank cormorant is known to breed at any time throughout the year. It constructs its nest from seaweed and guano, laying two to three chalky-white eggs.

Diet and Feeding

A key component of the bank cormorant's diet is the cape rock lobster, Jasus lalandii, found abundantly in the kelp beds where the cormorant feeds. However, it also preys on a variety of other crustaceans and fish, including the bearded goby, Sufflogobius bibarbatus.

Conservation Status

The bank cormorant is currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Its numbers have been in sharp decline due to factors such as commercial fishing, human disturbance, and predation by increasing populations of kelp gulls, which feed on the cormorant's eggs and chicks. The global population is estimated to be around 4,000 individuals, with significant populations located on Mercury Island and Ichaboe Island in Namibia.