Easily recognized by its bold black-and-white coloring, this bird stands out among other coastal species. Its name comes from this contrasting pattern, with dark upperparts and white underparts that give it a clean, striking appearance. Tall and sturdy, the pied cormorant has a long neck, strong body, and hooked bill, all of which are well-suited to its life as a skilled fish hunter.

One of the most notable features of the pied cormorant is its versatility. Unlike some cormorants that stay strictly in marine environments, this species can be found in a wide range of habitats. It commonly inhabits coastal waters, estuaries, harbors, and bays, but it also ventures inland to lakes, rivers, and wetlands. This adaptability allows it to take advantage of many different food sources and has helped it remain widespread and successful. It is often seen perched on rocks, buoys, jetties, or trees near water, watching for prey.

The pied cormorant is an excellent diver and spends much of its time foraging underwater. It hunts mainly for fish, which it catches by diving beneath the surface and chasing prey with strong, steady strokes of its webbed feet. Its long neck and sharp bill help it grab slippery fish with precision. Unlike birds that plunge from the air, the pied cormorant enters the water smoothly and swims underwater using its feet for propulsion. After a series of dives, it usually returns to a perch to rest.

Like other cormorants, the pied cormorant has feathers that are not fully waterproof. This feature helps reduce buoyancy and improves diving efficiency, but it means the bird must dry its feathers after swimming. As a result, it is often seen standing with wings spread wide, facing the sun or wind. This iconic pose is one of the most familiar sights along waterways where cormorants live and is frequently captured in photographs.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Australia

2025

Breeding

New Zealand

2025

Breeding