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The Australian pied cormorant (/ˌpaɪd ˈkɔːrmərənt/ PYDE KOR-mə-rənt), Phalacrocorax varius, also known as the pied cormorant, pied shag, or great pied cormorant, is a medium-sized member of the cormorant family.
It is found around the coasts of Australasia. In New Zealand it is usually known either as the pied shag or by its Māori name of Kāruhiruhi. Older sources may refer to it as the "yellow-faced cormorant".
Range
In New Zealand its range on the east coast extends as far south as Christchurch, though this is a recent extension—older books report it no further south than Kaikoura. In Australia it is only moderately common in the eastern states, but abundant in the west.
Habitat
Although typically found in marine habitat—sometimes solitary, sometimes in pairs, sometimes in vast flocks of hundreds or thousands—it is also attracted to inland waters, including lakes, deep and open swamps, and rivers
Range map from www.oiseaux.net - Ornithological Portal Oiseaux.net
www.oiseaux.net is one of those MUST visit pages if you're in to bird watching. You can find just about everything there
Ecology
The pied cormorant appears to feed largely on benthic fish. It will dive both in shallow, still water and in rapidly moving currents. Typical dive times are around 40 seconds, with a recovery period of 10–15 seconds between dives
Feeding
The pied cormorant appears to feed largely (90%) on benthic fish 6-15cm in length from waters less than 10m deep. Other dietary components (10%) are made up of crustaceans such as prawns and shrimp with some molluscs and cephalopods.
It will dive both in shallow, still water and in rapidly moving currents. Typical dive times are around 40 seconds, with a recovery period of 10–15 seconds between dives although this is dependent on depth. The birds feed in deep and shallow waters (although shallow habitats are more productive) with flock densities in proportion to the prey abundance.
Hunting is typically performed as individuals (potentially to avoid kleptoparasitism), although larger groups can be observed when schools of small fish are close to the surface. Risk of predation by sharks and the abundance of food comprise a trade-off where the pied cormorant may choose to hunt in deeper waters where prey is less abundant if the risk is too high during warmer months when sharks are present more often. The deeper waters however require longer dive times and corresponding longer times at rest between dives on the surface.
Breeding
The pied cormorant preferably breeds in small (<30 pairs) sheltered colonies (harbours, estuaries and lakes) with rarer occurrences on exposed coasts or islands, no more than 400 metres from the sea (or food source). Courtship behaviour is initiated by the male in close proximity to a future nest site.
Wing waving by the male is conducted in silence while gargling can be a form of female recognition. The males can also hop up to 1m in the air with both feet to attract female attention.
Nests are typically large platforms formed of sticks and foliage cemented with droppings averaging 80cm in diameter on the ground or in trees. Males collect most of the nest material, while both sexes share construction tasks. The nests are used twice a year in Autumn and Spring by different breeding pairs. Some breeding occurs in summer and winter by young and inexperienced pairs.
Monogamous breeding pairs (from 2 years of age) lay eggs once a year with an average breeding cycle of 6 months. Clutch size ranges from 2-5 with an incubation period of 25-33 days. Egg and fledgling caring duties are shared by the parents. Chick rearing can take from 47-60 days with independence gained just over 3 months of age. Both sexes share feeding duties through incomplete regurgitation.
Dispersal
Banding studies have shown that the pied cormorants do not travel far from their colonies (<20km). Flight is generally low in altitude, as the pied cormorant has weaker flight capability than other species in the family, with ‘v’ formations present when in flocks.
Noongar culture
The Noongar Aboriginal people who live in the south-west corner of Western Australia believe that the pied cormorant (medi) is responsible for the transport of souls of the deceased across and beneath the Western sea to their final resting place (Kurannup). Medi can be translated as ‘agent’, or ‘medium’, possibly referring to the bird's role as an intermediary between the living world and the afterlife.
Spirits of the deceased rest for an unspecified time on the moojar (WA Christmas tree) before being carried by easterly winds or flowing waters to the sea where the spirit joins with the medi for its journey to Kurranup.
Sighted: 24 October 2017 (Date of first photo that I could use)
Location: Matakana, Matakana River
Australian pied cormorant - Phalacrocorax varius - 24 October 2017 - Matakana, Matakana River
Also known as the pied cormorant or pied shag. Older sources may refer to it as the “Yellow-faced cormorant”
Australian pied cormorant - Phalacrocorax varius - 24 October 2017 - Matakana, Matakana River
Also known as the pied cormorant or pied shag. Older sources may refer to it as the “Yellow-faced cormorant”
Australian pied cormorant - Phalacrocorax varius - 26 October 2017 - Kaiaua
Also known as the pied cormorant or pied shag. Older sources may refer to it as the “Yellow-faced cormorant”
Australian pied cormorant - Phalacrocorax varius - 26 October 2017 - Kaiaua
Also known as the pied cormorant or pied shag. Older sources may refer to it as the “Yellow-faced cormorant”
Australian pied cormorant - Phalacrocorax varius - 26 October 2017 - Kaiaua
Also known as the pied cormorant or pied shag. Older sources may refer to it as the “Yellow-faced cormorant”
Australian pied cormorant - Phalacrocorax varius - 26 October 2017 - Kaiaua
Also known as the pied cormorant or pied shag. Older sources may refer to it as the “Yellow-faced cormorant”
Going bird watching on New Zealand? I have been to a few places but so far New Zealand is outstanding regarding information on the internet. There are two organizations that are sticking out so far when it comes to information about birds and wildlife/ outdoor living.
Bird information, bird song and maps. Yes, there are excellent trekking maps online so you can plan, or go back after the trek to see where you have been, excellent. I have not been disappointed.
• New Zealand's Department of Conservation www.doc.govt.nz Click on “Nature” or just hoover with the mouse over the “Nature”
Many other places I have been to have excellent maps on site, but trying to find them online rendering nothing but disappointments. The New Zealand's Department of Conservation is the ONE STOP ONLY for everything regarding outdoor activities on New Zealand.
New Zealand Birds Online, there is everything you ever wish to know about the birds on New Zealand. Nothing less than fantastic. Click HERE to down load Checklist of the birds of NZ from New Zealand Birds Online web page nzbirdsonline.org.nz
One of the best web pages I have ever seen when it comes to birding. All the information you can ever ask for and a ONE STOP for all your needs before going bird watching on New Zealand. Range maps, sounds, information and bird lists, everything you need.
PLEASE! If I have made any mistakes identifying any bird, PLEASE let me know on my guestbook
out so far when it comes to information about birds and wildlife/ outdoor living.
rendering nothing but disappointments. The New Zealand's Department of Conservation is the ONE STOP ONLY for everything regarding outdoor activities on New Zealand.
