FAMILY NAME: Phalacrocoracidae SCIENTIFIC NAME: Microcarbo (some references Phalacrocorax) melanoleucos SUBSPECIES: none
SIZE: The smallest Australian cormorant Up to 64cm. (26") tip to tail. Wingspan about 90cm. (3')
LOCATION: Found over almost the entire continent of Australia, except in the very arid centre and west.
BREEDING: Clutches from 3 to 4 eggs. Both the male and female incubate and feed their young. The nest is made in a tree and consists of a platform of sticks, lined with softer vegetation.
GENERAL: Very widespread across Australia, using most waterways, either salt or fresh water. After heavy rains they might be found in the interior of the continent. They are black above and white under, the white continuing above the eye on adult birds. Their bill is short and yellow with black edges. A small crest of feathers is visible from the bill up the forehead.
References:
Michael Morecombe. Field Guide to Australian Birds, Complete Compact Edtion.
Ken Simpson - Nicholas Day. The Birds of Australia.
M. Blakers - S. J. J. F. Davies - P. N. Reilly. The Atlas of Australian Birds.
Birds in Backyards. www.birdsinbackyards.net
Graham Pizzey - Frank Knight. The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia.
