The White-Breasted Cormorant (Phalacrocorax lucidus) is a large wetlands bird in the Phalacrocoracidae family of short tailed cormorants. It is also known as the African Great Cormorant or the African Great Black Cormorant.

The White-Breasted Cormorant is black with white cheeks, throat and chest. Its feathers are glossy with some green iridescence. Its tail is short and black. Its beak is grey, its eyes are green, and its webbed feet are black.

It can grow to 76-100 centimetres (30-40 inches) tall.

The Great Cormorant is found in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia. The White-Breasted Cormorant is found in Africa. It likes freshwater lakes, where it feeds on fish. It dives below the surface to catch its food.

It builds its nest at the top of trees along the lake. The nest is made of sticks. Females lay 3-5 pale blue or green eggs, which hatch after 28-31 days.

 

 

 

 

Location of photographs: Naivasha, Kenya

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM