Leucocarbo bougainvilliorum
The Guanay Cormorant, *Leucocarbo bougainvilliorum*, is a medium-sized seabird, typically measuring 65-78 cm (25-31 in) in length with a wingspan of 80-90 cm. It is striking with its glossy black upperparts contrasting sharply with pristine white underparts, a distinctive field mark that aids identification. Further distinguishing features include a bright green eye encircled by bare red orbital skin and vivid pinkish-red feet, with its yellow-orange gular pouch intensifying during breeding. ...
Exclusively coastal and marine, inhabiting rocky shores, islands, and cliffs of the South American Pacific coast at sea level, always near cold, nutrient-rich upwelling waters.
Primarily schooling fish, especially Peruvian Anchovy (*Engraulis ringens*) and sardines, which they capture by pursuit-diving.
Guanay Cormorants are highly social, diurnal birds that form immense colonies, often numbering in the hundreds of thousands, on guano-rich islands and cliffs for roosting and breeding. They are pursuit-diving piscivores, foraging cooperatively in large, synchronized flocks to drive schooling fish...
The primary breeding range of the Guanay Cormorant extends along the highly productive Pacific coasts of Peru and northern Chile, with significant colonies found in areas like the Chincha Islands, Ballestas Islands, and Paracas National Reserve in Peru. Sporadic breeding may occur further north i...
Near Threatened
- The Guanay Cormorant is one of the world's most important producers of guano, a natural fertilizer that was once Peru's leading export. - Its massive colonies, which can number in the hundreds of thousands to millions, are directly responsible for creating the guano islands of Peru. - The survi...