Little Black Cormorant

1. Breeding adults have distinctive white flecks on head and neck

2. Completely black plumage with a greenish sheen and bright green eyes

3. Often seen in large flocks both when flying (V-formation) and when feeding

These social birds can breed year-round depending on water conditions and food availability. They build stick nests in tree forks, often within colonies of herons or ibises. Both parents share nest-building, incubation, and chick-rearing duties. They're nomadic within Australia, moving to coastal areas during inland droughts and dispersing inland when conditions improve.

Little Black Cormorants can be spotted throughout Australia around freshwater wetlands, lakes, reservoirs, and occasionally sheltered coastal waters. Look for them in the early morning or late afternoon when they're actively fishing, either diving individually or in impressive coordinated flocks. They're rarely seen on land but frequently perch on rocks, jetties, or branches overhanging water. Follow their V-shaped flying formations to locate their feeding grounds, where dozens or even hundreds may gather.

The Little Black Cormorant is a native Australian species with a range extending across parts of Asia and the Pacific. Their presence across the continent has made them a familiar part of Australia's waterways for generations. Their remarkable group fishing techniques have been observed and documented throughout Australia's history as a testament to nature's cooperative strategies.