Cape Cormorant vs Bank Cormorant

Phalacrocorax capensis compared with Phalacrocorax neglectus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Cape Cormorant Bank Cormorant
Scientific Name Phalacrocorax capensis Phalacrocorax neglectus
Order Suliformes Suliformes
Family Phalacrocoracidae Phalacrocoracidae
Conservation Status Endangered Endangered
Length
Wingspan 50.6 cm (19.9 in) 52.2 cm (20.6 in)
Weight 1223.75 g (43.17 oz) 1930.0 g (68.08 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 2-3 1-3
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Cape Cormorant only

None

Bank Cormorant only

None

Conservation Status

Endangered

Cape Cormorant

Endangered

Bank Cormorant

About These Birds

Cape Cormorant

63 cm. All-black with glossy blue-green; bare orange facial skin. Breeds colonially on South African and Namibian islands. Endangered; severe decline due to competition with purse-seine anchovy fisheries and El Niño events. Feeds on anchovy and sardine in Benguela Current.

Bank Cormorant

76 cm. Dark sooty-brown; bare-faced; yellow at gape. Endemic to South Africa and Namibia coast; Near Threatened. Breeds on rocky islands and coastal cliffs. Feeds on fish in the cold Benguela upwelling. Does not venture far from breeding colonies; very restricted coastal range.

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