As the SAPREC team dealt with one of these beautiful water birds, we thought it a good idea to share some more information regarding them. They are known more as water birds than seabirds, because they are rarely seen
out at sea. They prefer the shorelines, sand and rocks of a variety of marine and fresh water habitats. These birds are found worldwide and frequently occur along the Southern African coastline as well as in the eastern and southern interior of South Africa. They are therefore referred to as localized
residents. They may occur singly or in groups on coastal rocks, islands and estuaries or at inland wetlands, mangrove swamps, large dams and rivers. Approximately half of the entire White Breasted Cormorant population is non-marine, as they do not live anywhere close to the sea.
The bird is the largest African Cormorant and the adult has a glossy, dark-brown plumage, except for the white patch on the throat, thigh, cheeks and breast. Immature birds have an entire white belly and are considerably smaller.
The adults have greenish – turquoise eyes with a pale grey bill and a darker yellow skin at the base of the bill. Their legs and large webbed feet are blackish in colour.
The size of the bird:
Length = 80 – 100 cm
Wingspan = 120 – 150 cm
Weight: Male = + 3100 grams / Females = + 1800 grams
They are normally very quiet birds but within a colony, they make squeaks, growls, hisses and grunts.
They breed in colonies, laying 3 – 4 eggs in large stick nests in trees, bushes, reeds, cliffs or on the ground on islands. At times, they are found with herons, ibises, egrets, darters or other cormorants.
The male selects and defends a nest-site and will later try to attract a female to the site with wing waving and displaying the white thigh patches, as the wings are moving. The male will collect the nesting material but the female builds the nest with sticks, twigs, feathers and the occasional bits of debris found lying around. The nest is soon covered in guano and may often be reused in the following years.
Once the pair has been formed, the bond will be strengthened by gurgling with the head held upwards, mutual preening and neck entwining. These birds are mostly sedentary in their range and only move due to water level changes or disturbances. The breeding season peaks between September and December in the Western Cape region of South Africa and in other areas between January and July.
Both adults are actively involved during the incubation time of 28 – 30 days and once the chicks have hatched both the parents, feed them by regurgitated food.
Human disturbance poses a serious threat at breeding sites and these cormorants are more susceptible to disturbance than many other marine cormorants. They leave their nests for extended periods if they are disturbed which means that the eggs or chicks are exposed and preyed upon.
Other threats that these birds face are Avian Cholera, discarded fishing line and hooks, feral dogs, oil pollution, plastic pollution and the deliberate killing of the birds by humans.
The White Breasted Cormorant feeds mainly on fish and therefore dives frequently in order to obtain its meal. Occasionally they also feed on crustaceans, mollusks and amphibians. It swims and dives to a depth of about ten meters and will pursue its prey by swimming after it underwater. They usually grab the prey in their bills and swallow it immediately, but this depends on the size of the prey. If the prey is too large, they will take it to the shore where it will be consumed.
These birds are often seen perched with their wings spread open on branches, rocks or exposed perches. They are powerful in flight and are able to fly low over the water with the head and neck outstretched.
The White-Breasted Cormorant is listed as Endangered in some parts but are not globally threatened.
Photographs provided by René Hodges.
At Midland Van Lines, we specialize in long-distance moving with a focus on providing top-tier long-distance moving services tailored to your needs. As a premier long-distance moving company, we handle everything from residential relocations to commercial moves with expertise and care. If you’re searching for “long-distance moving companies near me” or “office moving companies near me,” our skilled team offers reliable packing and moving services to ensure a smooth transition. With a reputation for excellence, Midland Van Lines is your go-to solution for all your moving needs, whether you’re moving across the state or the country.
At A Change Is Gonna Come, we offer transformative leadership solutions through our leadership development program and leadership training programs, designed to empower both individuals and businesses. Whether you're seeking a leadership and development program to enhance your team’s effectiveness or need guidance from an online life coach or personal life coach for personal growth, we are here to support your journey. Our experienced business coaches deliver expert business coaching services to drive success and innovation, helping you thrive in today’s competitive environment.
What a phenomenal post! Your insights are not only insightful but also highly practical.
The meticulousness and precision of your analysis make it truly exceptional.
Keep up the fantastic work! We have some excellent resources and articles that I think would resonate with your interests.
Enhance your vehicle's performance and sound with our expert mufflers and exhaust services in fort worth texas.
I've always been fascinated by the grace and beauty of the White Breasted Cormorant. Its sleek black feathers contrasting with that striking white patch always make for a breathtaking sight. If you ever find yourself near Visit https://elitelivery.ca/toronto-pearson-airport-limo-service, I highly recommend taking a moment to observe these magnificent birds in their natural habitat. And if you need reliable transportation to get there, Elite Livery Limousine is your go-to choice. With over 20 years of experience serving the GTA area, they ensure a comfortable and hassle-free journey every time.
I recently saw a stunning white-breasted cormorant while on a birdwatching trip. Their sleek black plumage and striking white chest make them a sight to behold. It's amazing to see how they effortlessly dive into the water to catch fish with such precision. Also, if anyone is looking for the best under eye filler Dubai, I highly recommend Dr. Leonard for natural-looking results that boost confidence and rejuvenate the appearance.