Little Pied Cormorant vs Little Black Cormorant

In short

The Little Pied Cormorant and the Little Black Cormorant can be distinguished by their plumage: the Little Pied Cormorant has a striking black and white pattern, while the Little Black Cormorant is uniformly black. These differences are most noticeable when the birds are perched or swimming close by.

Identification tips

• Look for the black and white plumage of the Little Pied Cormorant versus the uniform black of the Little Black Cormorant.
• Observe the birds when they are perched or swimming, as the plumage differences are most apparent in these situations.

Plumage

The Little Pied Cormorant features a distinctive black and white plumage, with a white face and underparts contrasting with its black back and wings. In contrast, the Little Black Cormorant is entirely black, lacking the white markings of the Little Pied Cormorant.