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

Japanese Cormorant

Japanese Cormorant

100
1 week ago
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.
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Spotted

Recently spotted
33 (Seen in the last 3 months)
Last spotted
1 week ago

Monthly observations

2 observations
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F
Francesco Grassotti
1 month ago
Japanese Cormorant
竹田市,
Spotted Japanese Cormorant
Spotted Japanese Cormorant
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Francesco Grassotti
1 month ago
Japanese Cormorant
竹田市,
Spotted Japanese Cormorant
Spotted Japanese Cormorant
+90
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