Species:Phalacrocorax varius

Also known as: Pied Shag or Great Pied Cormorant

Bundjalung name: Guhndiwuny
Status (IUCN): Least Concern

Characteristics

• Length/size: 65-85cm tall and and a wingspan up to 130cm. These birds weigh around 2kg. 

• Colour: Black on the back and upper surface of the wings, and white on the underbelly. They have an orange/yellow patch on their face and a blue eye ring with green eye. Long hooked bill is grey, and legs with webbed feet are black. 

• Breeding/reproduction: They primarily breed in small colonies (less than 30 pairs) close to the sea. The nests are up to 80cm in diameter and built from sticks, seaweed and foliage and held together with droppings. While males mostly collect the material, the couple build the nest together. Mostly monogamous, pied cormorants reach maturity at two years and lay 2-5 eggs a year. The parents share caring duties, regurgitating for their young who fledge after about three months. 

• Diet: Primarily fish (benthic fish make up 90% of their diet), these birds usually “snorkel” at the surface then dive to pursue fish by swimming using their feet for propulsion and their wings to steer and give them a boost. Specialised nictating membranes on their eyes work like goggles to help them see underwater. They also eat crustaceans like prawns and shrimp and some molluscs. 

Habitat: Found throughout mainland Australia as well as New Zealand, these birds are often seen characteristically spreading their wings to dry close to rivers and beaches (as their wings are not totally waterproof). Commonly found around mangroves and often seen on both the Brunswick and Richmond Rivers. 

Threats: Sometimes stealing fish from fishermen’s lines or nets means these birds are often threatened by entanglement or injuries from fishing gear. Habitat loss and degradation, plastic pollution and marine oil and chemical spills also pose a threat to these birds.