Phalacrocorax fuscicollis
A medium-sized, slender cormorant, the Indian Cormorant (*Phalacrocorax fuscicollis*) typically measures 50-65 cm in length with an 80-90 cm wingspan. In non-breeding plumage, it presents a sleek, entirely dark appearance, glossy black on the head, neck, and underparts, contrasting with a brownish-black back. Key identification features include its proportionally longer and more slender neck than the Little Cormorant, a high forehead, and a diagnostic white patch behind the gape in non-breedi...
Primarily found in freshwater wetlands such as lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and slow-moving rivers, but also frequently inhabits brackish lagoons and estuaries. Typically occurs at low elevations, rarely straying into mountainous regions.
Primarily piscivorous, feeding mainly on a variety of small to medium-sized fish, complemented by aquatic invertebrates such as crustaceans and insects. Forages by pursuit diving underwater.
Diurnal birds, Indian Cormorants are highly social, often forming large communal roosts in trees near water bodies outside the breeding season. They are expert pursuit divers, plunging into water from the surface to chase fish, frequently foraging in groups to herd schools. While generally social...
The Indian Cormorant is widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent, encompassing a breeding range that includes most of India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and parts of Pakistan, Nepal, and Myanmar. While largely resident throughout this primary range, some local movements occur, particularly in...
Least Concern
- Unlike many waterbirds, Indian Cormorants have wettable feathers, necessitating frequent sun-drying with outstretched wings. - They possess excellent underwater vision, enabling them to effectively hunt fish in murky waters. - Indian Cormorants are highly social, often foraging in synchronized ...