Cape cormorant  (Phalacrocorax capensis)

The most distinctive feature of this southern African seabird is the bright orange-yellow patch of bare skin at the base of its bill, which sits in stark contrast against its glossy black plumage, tinged with a bluish-purple sheen (2) (3). The black bill, with a blue-grey base (3), has completely sealed nostrils (4), which means the Cape cormorant must breathe through its mouth, but is able to dive unhindered into the water in pursuit of prey. Like other Pelecaniformes (a group of large seabirds), the Cape cormorant has webbing between all four toes, making it a strong swimmer and proficient predator of fish (4). Its affinity for the sea is reflected in the common name, cormorant, which is a corruption of the French words corbeau marin, meaning sea crow (5). Juvenile Cape cormorants differ from adults in their dark brown plumage and pale underparts, but all ages have bright turquoise eyes (2) (3). Although said to be a fairly silent bird (2), the Cape cormorant does have a variety of vocalisations, including a repeated, low-pitched cluck made by the male during courtship and a hiss that escalates into a bark when threatened (3).