Bird · GBIF taxon 2481894
Socotra Cormorant
Phalacrocorax nigrogularisAlso known as Socotran Cormorant, Socotra Shag
Socotra cormorants gather in massive, tightly packed colonies on arid offshore islands across the Arabian Gulf and Arabian Sea. These dark, slender diving birds plunge relentlessly into coastal waters to pursue dense shoals of small surface-dwelling fish. During the breeding season, thousands of pairs construct shallow scrape nests on flat, gravelly ground, creating one of the largest seabird aggregations in the region.
SeabirdColonialDiving Bird
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sardines
- Anchovies
- Silversides
Predators
- Feral cats
- Rats
- Gulls
ThreatsCoastal development, oil spills, island disturbance, pollution
HabitatsArid offshore islands, coastal waters, open bays
Life span10–20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPhalacrocoracidae
- SpeciesPhalacrocorax nigrogularis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Has a sharp, hooked bill capable of biting if cornered; keep a respectful distance from nesting colonies.
- What to notice
- Recognizable by its uniform brownish-black body, bronze-tinged upperwing coverts, and long, thin hooked bill.
- Support conservation
- Keep boats at least several hundred meters away from breeding keys to avoid causing mass panics among nesting adults.
Responsible observation
- Binocular Viewing: Scan distant offshore islands with binoculars to spot dense roosting groups without disturbing nests.
- Avoid Colony Disturbance: Never land boats on designated breeding islands during the autumn and winter nesting season.
- Report Sightings: Document large foraging flocks to help researchers track regional population movements.
Nesting Neighbor 
Frequent Companion Red-billed tropicbird / CC0 · cc0
Close Relative (c) Frank Vassen, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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