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A photo of a Black-faced Cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscescens)
Black-faced Cormorant

Black-faced Cormorant

Phalacrocorax fuscescens

The black-faced cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscescens), also known as the black-faced shag, is a medium-sized member of the cormorant family. Upperparts, including facial skin and bill, are black, with white underparts. It is endemic to coastal regions of southern Australia. Like other cormorant species, the black-faced cormorant is a large aquatic bird, with a long hooked bill, webbed feet, and monochromatic plumage. This is one of the largest cormorants found in south-western Australia and has pied plumage with the upper half of its body black and the undersides white. Its face is naked and black, hence the "black-faced" name, and the tail, feet, and thighs are also black. The back feathers are glossy, and its bill is dark grey with a prominent hook at the tip. It has blue-green eyes. When flying, it holds its head level or lower than its body and holds its wings in a cross-shape like most cormorants. Species that are similar in appearance include the pied cormorant (slightly larger) and the little pied cormorant (slightly smaller).
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Black-faced Cormorants on Birda

Photos

Sightings

A photo of a Black-faced Cormorant photographed in Barrack Street Jetty Australia
🦜
Anna E
Monday 28 Aug 2023 - 7:10am
Australia
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Angus Hamilton
Angus Hamilton
Tuesday 04 Apr 2023 - 9:30am
Australia
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Angus Hamilton
Angus Hamilton
Monday 03 Apr 2023 - 3:30pm
Australia
A map showing the sighting location
🦉
Wintah Thompson
Friday 24 Mar 2023 - 4:54pm
Australia
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