The Pied Cormorant (Phalacrocorax varius) is an Australian bird worth learning as a combination of shape, colour, voice, behaviour and location rather than from a single feature. A large black-and-white cormorant with glossy black upperparts, a white face, neck and underparts, and yellow-orange facial skin around the base of the bill. Adults are typically about 70–80 cm, so comparing the bird with familiar nearby species can immediately narrow the identification.
How to identify a Pied Cormorant
A large black-and-white cormorant with glossy black upperparts, a white face, neck and underparts, and yellow-orange facial skin around the base of the bill. Start with overall body shape and size, then check the head, bill, wings, tail and any strong colour blocks. If the bird is distant, behaviour and habitat may be more reliable than small plumage details.
Often dives from the surface and can remain underwater for extended periods while chasing fish. Groups rest on rocks, jetties, trees and sandbanks. Take a few seconds to watch how the bird moves before trying to name it. Whether it dives, hovers, fans its tail, climbs through foliage or feeds on the ground can eliminate many look-alikes.
Where is the Pied Cormorant found in Australia?
Common around much of Australia's coastline, estuaries and large inland waters, particularly in southern and eastern regions.
Typical habitat includes coastal waters, estuaries, bays, rivers, lakes and reservoirs. A useful identification check is to ask whether the habitat makes sense for the species. Australian birds can wander, but a bird seen in its normal habitat and range is a much stronger match than one identified from colour alone.
What does the Pied Cormorant eat?
Mostly fish, taken by underwater pursuit diving, with other aquatic prey also eaten. Diet can change with season, rainfall and local food supply, so feeding behaviour is usually more useful as a supporting clue than as a stand-alone identification feature.
When observing wild birds, natural foraging is the best guide. Note whether the bird feeds in flowers, probes the ground, pursues prey in flight, dives underwater or cracks seeds. These behaviours also help explain why the species is associated with particular habitats.
Behaviour and calls
Often dives from the surface and can remain underwater for extended periods while chasing fish. Groups rest on rocks, jetties, trees and sandbanks.
Low grunts and croaks, especially around nesting or roosting groups. Calls are particularly useful when foliage, distance or poor light makes colour difficult to judge. Record a short description of the sound and the rhythm rather than relying only on a remembered word such as “chirp” or “screech”.
Nesting and breeding
Breeds colonially, building stick nests in trees, shrubs or on sheltered structures near water. Breeding timing varies across Australia and may shift with latitude, rainfall and food. If you find an active nest or dependent young, watch from a respectful distance so adults can continue normal feeding and defence behaviour.
Similar birds
Little Pied Cormorants have a similar black-and-white pattern but are far smaller with a shorter bill. Great Cormorants are mostly black and much heavier. When two species seem possible, compare several independent clues: bill shape, body proportions, eye or face pattern, tail shape, voice, habitat and geographic range. A photograph from more than one angle is often more useful than one perfect-looking colour match.
Quick identification checklist
For a fast field check, remember four points: size: about 70–80 cm; appearance: A large black-and-white cormorant with glossy black upperparts, a white face, neck and underparts, and yellow-orange facial skin around the base of the bill.; habitat: Coastal waters, estuaries, bays, rivers, lakes and reservoirs.; and behaviour: Often dives from the surface and can remain underwater for extended periods while chasing fish. Groups rest on rocks, jetties, trees and sandbanks. If all four fit, the identification is much more convincing.
Sources and further reading
BirdGuide species information should be checked against authoritative Australian references as the site is expanded. Useful starting points include BirdLife Australia bird profiles and the Australian Museum bird collection. Image licensing for this page is recorded separately from the species information.
