Pygmy Cormorant
The Little Cormorant is a colonial bird, nesting in large groups, often with other waterbird species. It builds nests in dense bushes or on reed-covered islands. Partly migratory: populations in the Danube Delta may winter locally or migrate south, depending on the severity of winter. During the breeding season it is very active, with distinctive vocalisations and frequent flights between the nest and fishing grounds
Phalacrocorax pygmaeus
Description and how to observe Pygmy Cormorant:
The Pygmy Cormorant is the smallest cormorant species in Europe, measuring about 45-55 cm in length and with a wingspan of up to 90 cm. It is easily recognisable by its small size, short beak, relatively thick neck and black plumage with greenish highlights. When breeding, adults have white patches on the face and white down on the flanks. In the Danube Delta, it can be observed in wet areas with abundant vegetation, reed thickets and shallow lakes, especially in the morning and evening when it is actively fishing or resting on branches and reeds.
What it feeds on Pygmy Cormorant:
The Pygmy Cormorant feeds mainly on small fish and other aquatic organisms such as crustaceans or aquatic insects. It hunts by diving quickly, using its sharp beak and good underwater vision to catch prey. It can often be seen drying its wings in the sun after long periods of diving.
Threats:
The main threats to this species include: habitat destruction through drainage, water pollution, poaching, human disturbance during nesting, and climate change affecting wetlands. It is also sometimes unjustly persecuted because of the perception that it harms fish stocks.
Ecological role:
Pygmy Cormorant play an important role in aquatic ecosystems. By controlling populations of small fish and other organisms, it helps maintain the ecological balance in the habitats where it lives. They also fertilise the soil around nesting colonies by accumulating guano, which stimulates vegetation growth.
More information about Phalacrocorax pygmaeus:
The Pygmy Cormorant is a protected species at European level, being included in Annex I of the EU Birds Directive and in the Bern Convention. In Romania, the Danube Delta is one of the most important nesting sites for this species, which makes the protection of this habitat essential for its long-term conservation.
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