Research Article
Plumage and Ecology of Cormorants
DOI:
10.1080/00445096.1975.11447505
Author(s):
W. R. SiegfriedFitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape, Town, A. J. WilliamsFitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape, Town, P. G. H. FrostFitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape, Town, J. B. KinahanFitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape, Town,
Abstract
The paper draws on data attending the etho-ecology of four species of cormorants
(Phalacrocoracidae) in support of an hypothesis for the adaptive significance of the
predominantly dark plumage of these birds. It is suggested that a dark plumage, primarily
by being most receptive to solar radiation, assists cormorants in supplementing metabolic
heat for maintenance of normal body temperature. In those cormorants which have white
extending over ventral and frontal aspects of the body, it is suggested that this is an
adaptation to the feeding situation and that it promotes 'hunting camouflage' through
countershading.
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