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Neotropic Cormorant

Phalacrocorax brasilianus ORDER: PELECANIFORMES FAMILY: PHALACROCORACIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Neotropic Cormorant Photo

© Greg W.Lasley / CLO

A bird of the tropical waterways of Central and South America, the Neotropic Cormorant reaches the upper limits of its range in Texas and occasionally, the Great Plains. Although it superficially resembles North America's other freshwater cormorant, the Double-crested Cormorant, the Neotropic Cormorant stands apart in various aspects of behavior, as well as range.

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Gull-like
Gull-like
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Large, dark waterbird.
  • Long body and long neck.
  • Medium-sized bill is blunt or hooked at tip.
  • Purplish black plumage.
  • Throat and base of bill yellowish.

Immature Description

Mostly brownish, especially on neck and breast. Bill mostly dull brown.

Range Map Help

Neotropic Cormorant Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Similar Species

  • Double-crested Cormorant very similar, but is larger, has a proportionally shorter tail, a rounded base of gular area and gape, and a bright yellow-orange gular area.