About Phalacrocorax neglectus (Wahlberg, 1855)
Taxonomy and Body Size
The bank cormorant (scientific name Phalacrocorax neglectus (Wahlberg, 1855)) is a heavy-bodied bird, reaching roughly 75 cm in length.
Plumage Coloration
Its overall appearance is generally black with a bronze sheen; its wings are dark brown rather than true black.
Adult Head and Rump Features
Adult individuals have a small crest on the head, and usually have a white rump.
Eye and Facial Features
For adults, pale eyes set in an entirely black face are a distinctive feature, while immature birds have dark eyes.
Primary Food Source and Feeding Range
The primary food source for bank cormorants is the Cape rock lobster Jasus lalandii, and their feeding range closely matches the kelp beds where these lobsters live.
Additional Prey Items
They will also feed on a variety of other crustaceans and fish, most notably the bearded goby Sufflogobius bibarbatus.
Breeding Period
Bank cormorants can breed at any time of year.
Nest and Egg Characteristics
They lay two or three chalky-white eggs in a nest built from seaweed and guano.
