Rock Shag vs Pygmy Cormorant

Leucocarbo magellanicus compared with Microcarbo pygmaeus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Rock Shag Pygmy Cormorant
Scientific Name Leucocarbo magellanicus Microcarbo pygmaeus
Order Suliformes Suliformes
Family Phalacrocoracidae Phalacrocoracidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length — —
Wingspan 50.1 cm (19.7 in) 40.2 cm (15.8 in)
Weight 1500.0 g (52.91 oz) 693.3333333333334 g (24.46 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 2-4 2-8
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Rock Shag only

None

Pygmy Cormorant only

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Rock Shag

Least Concern

Pygmy Cormorant

About These Birds

Rock Shag

60–66 cm. Black above; white below; vivid red-orange caruncles at bill base in breeding. Breeds coasts and islands of southern Chile, Argentina, and Falkland Islands. Feeds on fish in cold sub-Antarctic inshore waters. Nest on cliff ledges in small colonies; resident.

Pygmy Cormorant

45–55 cm. Small; dark brown with chestnut head and neck in breeding; pale yellow throat. Resident across eastern Europe, Middle East, and Central Asia in freshwater lakes and rivers. Vulnerable; declining due to wetland degradation. Feeds on small fish by diving.

More Birds to Explore