Species Data
Common Name
Flightless cormorant
Scientific Name
Phalacrocorax harrisi
Spanish Name
Cormoran moncón
Conservation Status
Vulnerable
Endemic/Native/Introduced
Endemic
Size
89-100cm
Average Lifespan
up to 50 years
Predators
On land snakes, owls and hawks are potential predators as well as introduced rats and cats. In sea they may be preyed on by sharks.
Food
Piscivore (octopi, squid, eels and bottom-dwelling fish)
Animal Class
Bird
Species Overview
This is the only flightless species of cormorant in the world and it has evolved only in Galapagos as a result of very few land predators. Flightless cormorants are found on the shores of Fernandina and Isabela islands, where they hunt close to shore. They are expert divers, often seizing their prey from the sea bed.
They are often seen holding their shriveled wings out in order to dry their feathers and warm up after hunting.
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