Phalacrocorax lucidus lucidus

(Lichtenstein, 1823)

Vernacular names
English : White-breasted cormorant
French : Cormoran à poitrine blanche

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Pelecaniformes
Family : Phalacrocoracidae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a total length of 100 cm for a weight of 2.8 kg. plumage black with glossy brown tinge on wings. Small crest on nape. Chin, breast and upper belly yellowish-white. Blue-green eyes. Other subspecies has silvery-white coloration on nape and neck when breeding.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs in coastal west and south Africa and inland east Africa. Other subspecies occurs from Morocco to Mauritania. Lives always near water, marine or inland. Breeds on rocky islands or shores.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN (as P. carbo)
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species remains very common around its range. It has yet to be assessed on its own.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation
London Zoo (UK), Olmense Zoo (Belgium)

 

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