The Little Pied Cormorant (Microcarbo melanoleucos) is a common is a common species found around the coastal and inland waters of Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Timor-Leste and Indonesia. Its range also extends in to the islands of the south-western Pacific and the Subantarctic. In my part of the world - South East Australia - is pretty much the default black and white cormorant.
The Little Pied Cormorant is a small cormorant measuring 56–58 cm, with a short 3 cm bill; it has a small black head crest. I actually think that 'has a kind of punk rock hair do' would actually be a useful addition to the descriptions in field guide - but maybe that's just me!
Almost inevitably, these pictures were taken at Werribee Sewage Works.
Three of these pictures show the bird in its classic wing drying / heat regulation pose.
This post may be a little shorter than normal as I am just about recovering from an epic week in the Tasmanian mountains - you can see pictures from that trip (but no bird pictures) here.
As ever, to join in with WBW, click on the link below. Cheers SM
Gorgeous looking bird! Cormorants are always so dinosaur-like...
ReplyDeleteOdd face!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful bird, I would love to see it someday.
ReplyDeleteHello Stewart :)
ReplyDeleteFantastic photos Stewart! The Little Pied Cormorant is not a beautiful or attractive bird but it's black and white appearance is eye catching.
Best Regards
Sonjia