Long-tailed Cormorant

Taxobox
name = Long-tailed Cormorant

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image_width = 240px
image_caption = Immature Long-tailed Cormorant, Gambia
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Pelecaniformes
familia = Phalacrocoracidae
genus = " Phalacrocorax"
species = "P. africanus"
binomial = "Phalacrocorax africanus"
binomial_authority = (Gmelin, 1789)
synonyms = "Anhinga nana"

The Long-tailed Cormorant or Reed Cormorant, ("Phalacrocorax africanus") is a member of the cormorant family. It breeds in much of Africa south of the Sahara, and Madagascar. It is resident but undertakes some seasonal movements.

This is a common and widespread bird species. It breeds on freshwater wetlands or quiet coasts. Two to four eggs are laid in a nest in a tree or on the ground.

This is a small cormorant at 50-55 cm length and an 85 cm wingspan. It is mainly black, glossed green, in the breeding season. The wing coverts are silvery. It has a longish tail, a short head crest and a red or yellow face patch. The bill is yellow.

Sexes are similar, but non-breeding adults and juveniles are browner, with a white belly. Some southern races retain the crest all year round.

The Long-tailed Cormorant can dive to considerable depths, but usually feeds in shallow water. It frequently brings prey to the surface. A wide variety of fish are taken.

References

* Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern

* "Seabirds" by Harrison, ISBN 0-7470-1410-8
* "Birds of The Gambia" by Barlow, Wacher and Disley, ISBN 1-873403-32-1