Phalacrocorax capillatus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1849)

Nomenclature and Native Range

The Japanese cormorant (Phalacrocorax capillatus), also known as Temminck's cormorant, is a cormorant native to the east Palearctic.

Migratory and Foraging Behavior

This species is migratory, and individuals have been observed diving to significant depths to find food.

Adult Plumage

Adult Japanese cormorants have a black body with a white throat and cheeks and a partially yellow bill.

Juvenile Plumage

Juveniles are plainer and browner, which is typical for young cormorants.

Species Size Relative to Other Cormorants

Japanese cormorants are one of the larger cormorant species, with a size somewhat similar to the great cormorant.

Morphometric Measurements

They measure 81 to 92 cm (32 to 36 in) in length, have a wingspan of 152 cm (60 in), and may weigh 2.3 to 3.55 kg (5.1 to 7.8 lb).

Use in Traditional Japanese Fishing

This is one of the cormorant species that has been domesticated by fishermen for a Japanese tradition called ukai, which literally means 'raising a cormorant'.

Japanese Common Name

In Japanese, this species is called umiu (ウミウ, meaning sea cormorant).

Notable Fishing Application

Well-known fishing masters on Japan's Nagara River work with this particular species to catch ayu.

Geographical Distribution

This species can be found in China, Japan, North Korea, the Russian Far East, South Korea, and Taiwan.