Little Cormorant

Microcarbo niger

Order: Suliformes / Family: Phalacrocoracidae

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black small waterbird wetland urban common widespread colonial

About the Little Cormorant

The Little Cormorant, scientifically named Microcarbo niger, is a fascinating species belonging to the family Phalacrocoracidae. This small waterbird is predominantly found across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Its presence is most notable in countries like India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and parts of Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. The Little Cormorant is an integral part of the wetland ecosystems it inhabits, where it plays a crucial role in controlling fish populations. This bird's ability to dive and swim underwater in search of fish makes it a skilled predator and a vital component of the aquatic food web. During the breeding season, which typically occurs during the monsoon months, Little Cormorants form large, noisy colonies, often mixed with other cormorant species and herons. These colonies are a spectacle of avian activity and highlight the bird's sociable nature. In addition to its ecological role, the Little Cormorant holds cultural significance in various regions where it is a common sight in village ponds and urban water bodies.

The Little Cormorant belongs to the family Phalacrocoracidae, within the order Suliformes. These birds typically live average 6 years with a max recorded of 10 years.

How to Identify a Little Cormorant

The Little Cormorant is a compact waterbird with a glossy black plumage that appears almost iridescent in sunlight. Adults have a short tail and a distinctive wedge-shaped head with a slight peak at the back. Their eyes are bright green, and the bill is short and hooked, perfectly adapted for catching fish. Juveniles are browner with a paler underbelly, gradually acquiring the adult's black plumage as they mature. Both males and females look alike, making them hard to distinguish in the field. In flight, the Little Cormorant can be identified by its rapid wingbeats and straight neck, unlike the kinked neck posture of herons. Its silhouette can be confused with that of the Indian Cormorant, which is larger and has a more pronounced white throat patch. When perched, the Little Cormorant often spreads its wings to dry, a behavior shared with other cormorant species.

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Little Cormorant Habitat and Range

Preferred Habitat

Little Cormorants thrive in a variety of wetland habitats, including freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, and marshes. They are adaptable and can also be found in brackish water environments such as estuaries. Typically, they inhabit lowland areas but are sometimes seen at elevations up to 1,500 meters in the Himalayan foothills. Seasonal habitat shifts occur when water levels change, prompting movements to more favorable feeding grounds. In urban areas, they frequent man-made water bodies such as reservoirs and sewage ponds, showcasing their adaptability.

Geographic Range

The Little Cormorant has a wide distribution across southern Asia. Its breeding range extends from the Indian subcontinent across to Southeast Asia, including countries like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and parts of Myanmar. During the non-breeding season, some populations may disperse locally, but the species is generally considered a resident bird with minimal long-distance migration. Dense populations are often observed in the backwaters of Kerala and the Sundarbans in India, where suitable feeding and nesting habitats are abundant.

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What Does the Little Cormorant Eat?

Little Cormorants primarily feed on fish, which they catch by diving and pursuing underwater. They prefer small to medium-sized fish, typically ranging from 5 to 15 centimeters in length. During different seasons, their diet may also include crustaceans and amphibians, allowing them to exploit a range of available prey. Foraging occurs mainly during daylight hours, with birds often seen fishing alone or in small groups. Their hunting technique involves quick, agile dives, sometimes from a perch.

Little Cormorant Behavior and Social Structure

Little Cormorants are social birds that often congregate in large flocks, especially during breeding and roosting. They are not particularly territorial but may display mild aggression when competing for perching spots. Courtship involves synchronized swimming displays and mutual preening, strengthening pair bonds. Outside the breeding season, they often join mixed-species flocks, enhancing their foraging efficiency. When threatened by predators, such as large birds of prey, they take to the water, using their diving ability to evade capture. Their daily activities include alternating periods of feeding, resting, and preening.

Little Cormorant Nesting and Reproduction

Little Cormorants build their nests in colonies, often alongside other waterbirds. Nests are typically constructed in trees or shrubs near water, using twigs and lined with leaves. Clutch size ranges from 3 to 5 eggs, which are pale blue or greenish-white. Both parents share the responsibility of incubation, which lasts about 15 to 18 days. After hatching, the young are altricial and depend entirely on their parents for food and protection. Fledging occurs approximately 30 days post-hatching, with young birds gaining independence shortly thereafter. Typically, there is one brood per year, but in favorable conditions, a second brood might be attempted.

Little Cormorant Sounds and Vocalizations

The vocalizations of the Little Cormorant are rather harsh and guttural. Their calls include a series of low-pitched croaks, often heard during social interactions within colonies. Alarm calls are sharper and more urgent, serving as effective warnings to other colony members. During the breeding season, their vocal activity increases significantly, creating a cacophony of sounds that is characteristic of cormorant colonies.

Interesting Facts About the Little Cormorant

1The Little Cormorant can dive up to 2 meters underwater to catch fish, showcasing its remarkable agility.
2Unlike many birds, the Little Cormorant lacks waterproofing oils, which is why it must dry its wings after diving.
3In some cultures, the Little Cormorant is used for fishing, with trained birds diving for fish and returning them to their handlers.
4Their green eyes are specially adapted to enhance underwater vision, aiding in their pursuit of fish.
5Despite being a waterbird, the Little Cormorant frequently perches in trees, often sharing space with other cormorants.

Little Cormorant Conservation Status

The Little Cormorant is currently listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, with stable population trends. However, localized threats such as habitat loss due to wetland drainage and pollution pose significant risks. Conservation efforts focus on preserving and restoring wetland habitats, essential for the bird's survival. Historical data indicate that populations have remained relatively stable, though ongoing monitoring is necessary to ensure their continued well-being.