THE Cape Cormorant’s numbers have decreased dramatically over the last 20 years to near-endemic, making it an endangered species.
These birds are highly gregarious and nomadic, with flocks being more abundant on the west coast of South Africa and less common on the east coast.
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These Cormorants inhabit coastal waters within 10km offshore and also brackish estuaries. They fly in long lines over the sea at speeds of up to 75km/h, then settle in flocks to feed. Diving from the surface, they can submerge for up to 30 seconds, feeding on anchovies and pilchards.
They are normally silent but grunt and croak around their colonies which are on cliffs and offshore islands.
Breeding takes place throughout the year. The nest is a shallow bowl of sticks and seaweed in dense colonies. Two to three chalky white eggs are laid, incubation lasts 22 to 23 days and the nestling period is about nine weeks.
The Afrikaans name is Trekduiker.
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