Crowned Cormorant

Microcarbo coronatus

Crowned Cormorant (Microcarbo coronatus) — Seabirds & Tubenoses of Africa.

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The Crowned Cormorant (Microcarbo coronatus) is a member of the Phalacrocoracidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 762 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Least Concern.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List

LC Least Concern

Widespread and abundant — not currently at risk.

Where it fits

Class Aves
Order Suliformes
Family Phalacrocoracidae Cormorants, Shags
Genus Microcarbo
Species coronatus

Where it lives

Southwestern coast: northern Namibia to southern tip of southern Africa

Africa

Quick facts

Weight: 762 g
Diet: Aquatic hunters
Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Order: Suliformes
Habitat: Wetland, lake & coast

How to identify

Similar birds

Least Concern

Biology & behaviour

Diet

The Crowned Cormorant hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Behaviour

A bird of open sea and coastal waters, it swims and feeds in and around water.

Migration

The Crowned Cormorant is partially migratory: some populations move with the seasons while others stay resident year-round.

The Crowned Cormorant (Microcarbo coronatus) is a member of the Phalacrocoracidae family, within the order Suliformes. It is found across Africa. Its distribution covers AF sw coast: n Namibia to s tip of s Africa.

It is a large bird. Adults weighs around 762 g, with a wing length of about 20.6 cm and a tail of around 13.8 cm.

The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern. That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.

Its mapped global range covers an estimated 21,000 km² — a relatively restricted global range.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Crowned Cormorant?

The Crowned Cormorant is a large bird that weighs around 762 g.

Where does the Crowned Cormorant live?

The Crowned Cormorant is found across Africa with a range covering AF sw coast: n Namibia to s tip of s Africa, where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.

What family does the Crowned Cormorant belong to?

The Crowned Cormorant (Microcarbo coronatus) belongs to the Phalacrocoracidae family, in the order Suliformes.

What does the Crowned Cormorant eat?

The Crowned Cormorant hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Does the Crowned Cormorant migrate?

The Crowned Cormorant is partially migratory: some populations move with the seasons while others stay resident year-round.

Is the Crowned Cormorant endangered?

The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.

How large is the Crowned Cormorant's range?

The Crowned Cormorant has a mapped global range of about 21,000 km².