Guanay cormorant

About the Guanay cormorant

Guanay cormorants are medium-sized seabirds, typically measuring about 70 to 78 cm (27 to 31 inches) in length, with a wingspan of approximately 102 to 112 cm (40 to 44 inches).

Adults have striking plumage, with mostly black feathers covering their body, except for their white underparts. They have a distinct white patch on the sides of their face and a red patch at the base of the bill, surrounded by a blue ring around the eyes. The beak is long, pointed, and typically black, with a slight hook at the end, which is useful for catching fish. Their legs and feet are black and webbed, adapted for swimming.

Commonality of Guanay cormorants

The Guanay cormorant was once extremely abundant, with millions of individuals across its range, particularly in Peru and northern Chile. While it is still considered common, their numbers have significantly declined from historical levels due to various pressures.

The Guanay cormorant is primarily found along the Pacific coast of South America, especially from northern Peru to central Chile. They also breed on coastal islands and rocky shores in these regions.

Protection & Threats

While not currently listed as endangered, the Guanay cormorant faces threats from overfishing, which depletes their primary food sources, and habitat disturbances from human activities. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting their breeding sites and ensuring sustainable fishing practices.

Climate Change

Guanay cormorants are indeed threatened by climate change, mainly because of its effects on their marine environment.

El Niño and La Niña Events are natural climatic phenomena becoming more intense and frequent due to climate change. El Niño, in particular, causes warmer sea temperatures, which can reduce the availability of cold-water fish like anchovies and sardines that the cormorants rely on for food. During El Niño events, there can be massive die-offs or reproductive failures in Guanay cormorant colonies due to starvation.