Crowned Cormorant vs Cape Cormorant
Microcarbo coronatus versus Phalacrocorax capensis
Play a quiz with Crowned Cormorant and Cape Cormorant
Crowned Cormorant
Cape Cormorant
In short
The Crowned Cormorant and Cape Cormorant can be distinguished primarily by their size and plumage details. The Crowned Cormorant is smaller and has a distinctive crest on its head, while the Cape Cormorant is larger with a more streamlined appearance.
Identification tips
Look for the size difference first; the Crowned Cormorant is smaller. Check for the presence of a crest on the head, which is a key feature of the Crowned Cormorant.
Size
The Crowned Cormorant is noticeably smaller than the Cape Cormorant.
Plumage
The Crowned Cormorant has a distinctive crest on its head, which is absent in the Cape Cormorant. The Cape Cormorant has a more uniform and sleek plumage.