White-breasted Cormorant

The White-breasted Cormorant, Phalacrocorax lucidus, is a striking bird, akin to the Great Cormorant in stature and habit. Adults boast a distinctive white neck and breast, which becomes more pronounced with age. This large bird measures between 80 to 100 centimeters in length, presenting a grand silhouette against the African skies.

Identification Tips

Upon observing the White-breasted Cormorant, one is immediately drawn to its white breast and throat, a feature that sets it apart from its relatives. As the bird matures, the white plumage extends, enhancing its contrast with the darker feathers. During breeding, a dark gular skin becomes visible, a telltale sign of its reproductive state.

Distribution

This species is the sole representative of the great cormorant lineage in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a geographical range that spans from the Cape Verde Islands to Guinea-Bissau, along the west coast, and from Angola to the Cape of Good Hope, extending northwards to Mozambique on the east. It is also found inland, more frequently in eastern and southern Africa, and around the Red Sea, where it is sometimes referred to as the Red Sea White-breasted Cormorant.

Behaviour

The White-breasted Cormorant is a freshwater bird, often seen in the company of the Reed Cormorant and the African Darter. However, it distinguishes itself ecologically through its fishing habits and the size of its prey. It is known to interbreed with dark-breasted forms in central Africa, showcasing a degree of adaptability and genetic fluidity.

Breeding

Breeding adults can be identified by their white flank spots, a characteristic that becomes more visible during this period. The bird's breeding behavior is marked by the darkening of the gular skin, a visual cue for those observing these magnificent creatures.

Similar Species

The White-breasted Cormorant is sometimes confused with the smaller and markedly different Black-faced Cormorant, Phalacrocorax fuscescens, of southern Australia, which also bears the name White-breasted Cormorant. However, the two can be distinguished by size and geographic distribution.

Diet and Feeding

The White-breasted Cormorant feeds on a variety of fish, which it skillfully captures in its freshwater habitats.

Conservation status

The conservation status of the White-breasted Cormorant is not explicitly mentioned, but given its wide distribution and adaptability, one might assume it is not currently at critical risk. However, as with all wildlife, monitoring is essential to ensure its continued survival amidst changing environmental conditions.