Little Cormorant

Microcarbo niger

Identification : The smallest of the three cormorant species found in Thailand. It has a sloping forehead that forms an angle with the crown. The neck is relatively short, and the bill is short and flesh-colored, with a grayish lower mandible. The throat is pale, and the body is compact. The neck, breast, and belly are black, while the upperparts are very dark brown, nearly black. In breeding plumage, the chin is black, and there are fine white streaks on the ear coverts and sides of the neck. The plumage shows a glossy green sheen. Juveniles have a brown head, neck, and breast, with a scaly pattern on the belly. This species inhabits wetlands, ponds, canals, swamps, mangrove creeks, salt pans, and fish ponds.