Pygmy CormorantMicrocarbo pygmaeusWhere and when to see them

The pygmy cormorant is a small, long-tailed waterbird of southeastern Europe and parts of western Asia. It is strongly associated with shallow wetlands rather than exposed ocean coasts. Adults have dark bodies and browner heads, with fine pale feather markings becoming conspicuous in breeding plumage. Although globally assessed as Least Concern, it remains dependent on functioning marshes, reedbeds and waterside woodland, making wetland drainage and disturbance important regional conservation concerns.

Size

45–55 cm body length

Weight

565–870 g

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Pygmy cormorants often feed socially and gather at communal resting places on branches, posts or emergent vegetation. They catch fish in shallow water and frequently perch afterward with wings spread. Breeding colonies occupy reeds, shrubs or trees and may include herons and other wetland birds. Some populations remain near breeding areas year-round, while others move to milder waters in winter, especially when inland feeding sites freeze or become unsuitable. Pygmy cormorants are generally gregarious, frequently seen in small flocks or larger concentrations outside the breeding season. They exhibit typical cormorant behavior of 'wing spreading' to dry their plumage, as their feathers are not fully waterproof. Their flight pattern is direct and strong, often low over the water, with rapid wing beats interspersed with short glides.

• Breeding adults develop fine whitish feather tufts across the head and body.
• Its tail looks disproportionately long when it perches.
• Colonies may be shared with herons and egrets.
• It can nest in reeds as well as bushes and trees.

Spring and early summer offer opportunities around breeding wetlands, provided colonies are watched from designated viewpoints. Autumn and winter can bring concentrations to suitable lagoons and lakes. The best period differs between resident sites and wetlands used primarily outside breeding. In Croatia and Greece, spring offers the best viewing opportunities as birds are actively breeding and forming conspicuous colonies. Early autumn can also be productive, with post-breeding dispersal leading to larger concentrations in suitable lagoons before winter movements. Winter observation can be rewarding in mild coastal areas where birds congregate to avoid frozen inland waters.

Preferred habitats include shallow lakes, river backwaters, floodplain marshes, deltas and sheltered coastal lagoons. Reedbeds and flooded shrubs provide nesting and roosting cover. Although it can use brackish waters, it is less characteristic of open rocky seashores than larger cormorants. The species shows a strong preference for warm, often eutrophic, freshwater systems. It is particularly common in areas with dense emergent vegetation along the water's edge, offering both food and shelter. In Greece and Croatia, these conditions are prevalent in many coastal wetlands and river deltas.

Small fish form the bulk of the diet, captured in shallow freshwater or brackish wetlands. Aquatic invertebrates may supplement fish meals. The species relies on accessible prey in productive water, so water levels and wetland management influence feeding conditions. They typically dive for short periods, often less than 30 seconds, in shallow waters to catch prey. Their diet primarily consists of small, slow-moving fish like carp, perch, and cyprinids. This efficient feeding strategy allows them to thrive in varied wetland environments across their range.

Common name

Pygmy Cormorant

Scientific name

Microcarbo pygmaeus

Animal group

Birds

Size

45–55 cm body length

Weight

565–870 g

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Identification

It is much smaller than the great cormorant, with a shorter bill, relatively longer tail and a rounded, often brownish head. Beyond size, its short, thick neck and relatively small head are key distinguishing features. Adults are dark glossy green and black, often with a brownish head and neck, especially in non-breeding plumage. Juveniles appear duller and browner overall, lacking the adult's glossy sheen.