Sedge

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sedge
Reed cormorant (Phalacrocorax africanus) Botswana.jpg

Common Sedge ( Microcarbo africanus )

Systematics
Class : Birds (aves)
Order : Suliformes
Family : Cormorants (Phalacrocoracidae)
Genre : Microcarbo
Type : Sedge
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

Young bird on the Blue Nile in Ethiopia

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

Clutch of sedge in the Museum of Toulouse

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