Sedge
Sedge | ||||||||||
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![]() Common Sedge ( Microcarbo africanus ) |
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Systematics | ||||||||||
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Scientific name | ||||||||||
Microcarbo africanus | ||||||||||
( Gmelin , 1789) |
The Reedscharbe ( Microcarbo africanus , Syn . : Phalacrocorax africanus ) is a sea bird from the family of cormorants .
description
The sedge is a small cormorant that reaches a length of 50 to 55 centimeters and a wingspan of 85 centimeters. The plumage is mainly black and shows a greenish sheen during the breeding season. The wing covers are silvery. The Reedscharbe has an elongated tail, a short crest and a reddish or yellowish facial skin.
The sexes look the same. However, non-breeding adults and juveniles are more brown in color.
Distribution and way of life
The Long-tailed Cormorant is mainly in Africa south of the Sahara and in Madagascar is home. It is a common and widespread species of bird. It is a resident bird , but performs seasonal migration movements.
Reproduction
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/Microcarbo_africanus_MHNT.ZOO.2010.11.47.8.jpg/170px-Microcarbo_africanus_MHNT.ZOO.2010.11.47.8.jpg)
Sedge shags breed in floodplains or on calm coasts . Two to four eggs are laid in a nest on the ground or on a tree.
food
The Red Sharp can dive to considerable depths, but usually prefers shallow water when foraging. It often brings its prey to the surface. Their diet consists of a wide variety of fish.
literature
- Peter Harrison: Seabirds Helm Identification Guide, 1991, ISBN 0-7470-1410-8
- Clive Barlow et al .: Birds of the Gambia and Senegal Helm Identification Guide, 2005, ISBN 1-873403-32-1
Web links
- Micro Carbo africanus in the endangered Red List species the IUCN 2008. Posted by: BirdLife International, 2008. Accessed January 31 of 2009.
- Videos, photos and sound recordings of Phalacrocorax africanus in the Internet Bird Collection
- oiseaux.net - Cormoran africain (French)