Birds
File:Phalacrocorax capillatus, Jogashima Island, Japan 1.jpg

Japanese Cormorant

Japanese Cormorant

100
9 hours ago door Francesco Grassotti
Spotted
The Japanese Cormorant is a large, dark cormorant found in East Asia, known for its extensive use in traditional cormorant fishing ('ukai') in Japan. It inhabits both coastal and freshwater environments.
Where to spot
Found along the coasts and inland waters of Japan, Korea, and northeastern China. Inhabits rocky coasts, estuaries, and large freshwater rivers and lakes.
How to spot
Look for its large size, entirely dark, glossy plumage, and prominent orange-yellow facial skin and bill base. Often seen fishing in coastal or inland waters, or perched upright on rocks, buoys, or bridges. Watch for groups flying in lines or V-formations.
When to spot
Can be observed year-round in its resident range. Breeding season typically runs from spring through summer.
File:Phalacrocorax capillatus, Jogashima Island, Japan 1.jpg
File:Phalacrocorax capillatus 20161002 Japanese Cormorant 01.jpg
File:Phalacrocorax capillatus 20161002 Japanese Cormorant 02.jpg
File:Phalacrocorax capillatus 20161002 Japanese Cormorant 03.jpg
File:Phalacrocorax capillatus 20161002 Japanese Cormorant 04.jpg
File:Phalacrocorax capillatus 20161002 Japanese Cormorant 05.jpg
File:Phalacrocorax capillatus 20161002 Japanese Cormorant 06.jpg
File:Phalacrocorax capillatus MWNH 0529.JPG
File:Phalacrocorax capillatus swimming.jpg
File:Phalacrocorax capillatus, Jogashima Island, Japan 1.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Phalacrocorax capillatus 20161002 Japanese Cormorant 01.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Phalacrocorax capillatus 20161002 Japanese Cormorant 02.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Phalacrocorax capillatus 20161002 Japanese Cormorant 03.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Phalacrocorax capillatus 20161002 Japanese Cormorant 04.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Phalacrocorax capillatus 20161002 Japanese Cormorant 05.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Phalacrocorax capillatus 20161002 Japanese Cormorant 06.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Phalacrocorax capillatus MWNH 0529.JPG
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Phalacrocorax capillatus swimming.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
For over a thousand years, this species has been trained by fishermen in Japan and China to catch fish, with a ring placed around its neck to prevent it from swallowing larger catches.
Loading...

Spotted

Recently spotted
3 (Seen in the last 3 months)
Last spotted
9 hours ago door Francesco Grassotti

Monthly observations

2 observations
Loading...
F
Francesco Grassotti
9 hours ago
Japanese Cormorant
竹田市,
Spotted Japanese Cormorant
Spotted Japanese Cormorant
+0
No likes yet
Login to like
F
Francesco Grassotti
9 hours ago
Japanese Cormorant
竹田市,
Spotted Japanese Cormorant
Spotted Japanese Cormorant
+90
Lifer
Boobies and Cormorants spotter
New badge!
Login to like

Also interesting

100

Pallas's Cormorant

Cormorants and Shags
100

Pitt Island Shag

Cormorants and Shags
File:Magellanic cormorant (Leucocarbo magellanicus) Chiloe.jpg
100

Magellanic Cormorant

Cormorants and Shags
Gespotte Roodpootaalscholver
100

Red-legged Cormorant

Cormorants and Shags
100

Brandt's Cormorant

Cormorants and Shags
100

Crozet Shag

Cormorants and Shags
File:Phalacrocorax nigrogularis.jpg
100

Socotra Cormorant

Cormorants and Shags
File:Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum), Windsor, Ontario, 2025-07-05.jpg
100

Double-crested Cormorant

Cormorants and Shags
File:Little Black Cormorants (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris) at Lake Walyungup, October 2021 01.jpg
100

Little Black Cormorant

Cormorants and Shags
File:Australian Pied Cormorant (Phalacrocorax varius) at Port Kennedy Jetty, July 2023 01.jpg
100

Pied Cormorant

Cormorants and Shags