Scientific Name: Phalacrocorax penicillatus
Size: Medium-sized cormorant Weight: Approximately 2-3 kilograms (4.4-6.6 pounds) Lifespan: Up to 15 years
Physical Description:
- Sleek body with long neck
- Primarily black plumage with iridescent green sheen
- Breeding adults: distinctive blue throat patch, white plumes on head and neck
- Non-breeding adults: lack breeding plumage
Habitat:
- Marine coastal environments
- Nests on rocky cliffs or islands
Diet:
- Primarily fish, but also consumes squid and crustaceans
Behavior:
- Excellent swimmer and diver
- Often social, forming large colonies
- Nests in dense colonies
Conservation Status: Least Concern, but populations fluctuate.