Poikilocarbo gaimardi
The Red-legged Cormorant, *Poikilocarbo gaimardi*, is a visually striking seabird endemic to the coasts of South America, instantly recognizable by its vivid scarlet legs and feet. This medium-sized cormorant measures approximately 69-76 cm (27-30 in) in length with a wingspan of 122-137 cm (48-54 in), showcasing a sleek, dark body with a greenish-black gloss, contrasting sharply with a distinct white patch on its flanks. Its face features bright yellow or orange bare skin around the lores an...
Found exclusively in coastal marine environments, favoring rocky shores, offshore islets, sea cliffs, and areas with kelp beds, typically at sea level.
Feeds primarily on small schooling fish, but also consumes crustaceans and cephalopods, foraging by diving underwater from the surface.
Diurnal in activity, Red-legged Cormorants spend their nights roosting communally on sheltered rock ledges or cliff faces, often adopting their characteristic 'wing-spreading' posture to dry feathers after foraging. They are pursuit divers, propelling themselves underwater with powerful feet, som...
The Red-legged Cormorant is a resident species found exclusively along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of South America. Its distribution stretches along the Pacific from extreme northern Peru (Lambayeque region) southwards through the entire Chilean coastline to Tierra del Fuego. On the Atlantic...
Least Concern
- The vibrant red color of their legs and feet intensifies significantly during the breeding season, acting as a visual signal of health and readiness to mate. - Unlike most cormorants which are typically all dark, its striking white flank patch provides a distinct field mark. - They are often se...