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A photo of a Australian Pied Cormorant (Phalacrocorax varius)
Australian Pied Cormorant

Australian Pied Cormorant

Phalacrocorax varius

The Australian pied cormorant (Phalacrocorax varius), also known as the pied cormorant, pied shag, or great pied cormorant, is a medium-sized member of the cormorant family. It is found around the coasts of Australasia. In New Zealand, it is usually known either as the pied shag or by its Māori name of kāruhiruhi. Older sources may refer to it as the "yellow-faced cormorant". The pied cormorant is predominantly black on its back and upper surface of the wings and white on the underside. A small yellow patch between the bill and the eye on each side of the head is likely to have been the reason for the historical common name. It has large webbed feet which it utilises to pursue fish underwater, steering with half opened wings. The bird has a large hooked bill, green eyes with a blue eye ring and black legs and feet. The eyes have a special nictitating membrane for underwater protection. The pied cormorant can often be seen spreading its wings after diving to help dry the feathers, as it has inadequate waterproofing. This lack of feather waterproofing may help the cormorant spend longer underwater due to decreased buoyancy effects.
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Australian Pied Cormorants on Birda

Photos

Sightings

A map showing the sighting location
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Joe Hemmings
Sunday 17 Sep 2023 - 10:09pm
Australia
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Rocco Du Toit
Rocco Du Toit
Saturday 09 Sep 2023 - 9:25am
Australia
A photo of a Australian Pied Cormorant photographed in Hutt River estuary near Waione St, Petone New Zealand
Profile picture for Chaucey Ellis
Chaucey Ellis
Monday 04 Sep 2023 - 3:41am
New Zealand
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Rocco Du Toit
Rocco Du Toit
Thursday 31 Aug 2023 - 8:28am
Australia
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