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Long-tailed Cormorant




  Name Long-tailed Cormorant
  Regnum Animal ia
  Phylum Chordata
  Classis Aves
  Ordo Pelecaniformes
  Familia Phalacrocoracidae
  Genus '' Phalacrocorax ''
  Species '''''P africanus'''''
  Binomial ''Phalacrocorax africanus''
  Binomial Authority ( Gmelin , 1789)


The Long-tailed Cormorant (''Phalacrocorax africanus'') is a member of the Cormorant family of Seabird s. It breeds in much of Africa south of the Sahara , and Madagascar . It is resident but undertakes some seasonal movements.

This is a common and widespread Bird species. It breeds on freshwater wetlands or quiet coasts. 2-4 Egg s are laid in a nest in a tree or on the ground.

This is a small cormorant at 50-55 cm length and an 85 cm wingspan. It is mainly black, glossed green, in the breeding season. The wing coverts are silvery. It has a longish tail, a short head crest and a red or yellow face patch. The bill is yellow.

Sexes are similar, but non-breeding adults and juveniles are browner. Some southern races retain the crest all year round.

The Long-tailed Cormorant can dive to considerable depths, but usually feeds in shallow water. It frequently brings prey to the surface. A wide variety of Fish are taken.


REFERENCES


  • ''Seabirds'' by Harrison, ISBN 0-7470-8028-8

  • ''Birds of The Gambia'' by Barlow, Wacher and Disley, ISBN 1-873403-32-1