Crowned Cormorant
The Crowned Cormorant (Phalacrocorax coronatus) was formerly considered to be a race of the freshwater Reed Cormorant, but there are many differences in both the plumage's of adults & particularly juveniles. Even though both species can occur in close proximity to each other there are no records of hybridization.
The habitat of this species.
A group of birds of different ages.
The Crowned Cormorant occurs from central Namibia southwards along the coast until Cape Agulhas. Pearly Beach (where these photos were taken), are close to the most eastern edge of its range. It is a strictly coastal species, rarely if ever, going far out to sea. It prefers a combination of rocky headlands & shores. It is estimated that the entire population is about 3,000 pairs in 48 known colonies, which are widely scattered along the coast.
Commonly seen sitting on rocks
with other Cormorant species.
Adult.
Adult on the left, a not quite adult on the right.
This is a very small, compact species.
Adults in breeding plumage get red around the
sides of the face & an erectile tuft on the forehead.
The colour of the face & the tuft of feathers
can clearly be seen here.
There are several structural differences
between Crowned & Reed Cormorants.
The bill is much shorter, as is the tail.
Confined to the cold waters of the
Bengula current.
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