Home >> Pygmy Cormorant
Name: Pygmy Cormorant
Citizenship: Citizen of Europe, living at the coats of Sea of Azov, Aral Sea and Caspian Sea. Pygmy Cormorant inhabits also Asia and particularly Asia Minor and Near East. It breeds only on Balkan Peninsular in Rumanian part of Danube delta.
Habitat: Pygmy Cormorant inhabits marshes, lakes, artificial lakes, rivers and channels. It prefers freshwater basins where it could find its favorite food – fish. The water basin chosen for feeding and breeding by Pygmy Cormorant should be well-vegetated with reed or bulrush.
Address in Bulgaria: Pygmy Cormorant could be observed at many places in our country. It is mosty registered along the riverside of Danube and island Belene. It inhabits the countryside and the Black Sea coast as well. Very important for the species are the Bourgas Lakes.
Number: Last data point out between 350 and 500 breeding couples of Pygmy Cormorants. During the cold winter months their number increases as our country gives shelter to many birds from western countries. Pygmy Cormorants are concentrated mainly on rivers Danube and Maritas and Bourgas Lakes. Total number of the species in winter estimates approximately 16 000 birds. At Bourgas Lakes their number is over 10 000 birds.
Nature conservation status: Globally threatened species. It is important for conservation not only in Bulgaria but also in many European and Asian countries. One of the main reasons for the disappearance of Pygmy Cormorant is its illegal killing by poachers. Even more serious threat is deterioration of its breeding, wintering and resting habitats.
Distinctive features: It is a medium-sized green-glossed black bird, which makes it easily recognizable in the wetlands. It is interesting that adults have small white feather tufts on the head neck and under parts in the breeding season. The sexes are similar, but juveniles are duller and browner.
Favorite hobby: Feeding and resting. The scene of resting on reeds Pygmy Cormorants is amazing. After feeding they visit their favorite places among the reeds or stay on fallen in the water trees where spread their wings against the sun and the wind. Thus they dry themselves and at the same time rest. Pygmy Cormorant catches its food by diving. Its diet includes fish, different crustaceans and small mammals like water rats.
