This is a critical moment for the Neotropic cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus). It’s a large fish and from my vantage point it seems unlikely it would swallow it. If it struggles too long, other birds might try to steal it. If it swims into the vegetation, it could be attacked by a caiman.
It’s fascinating how a bird can handle a fish this size, and also kill it before it swallows it. At least this fish seems to have been killed as you can see blood dripping from the beak of the bird.
Sometimes the cormorant seems to catch more than it can swallow! The bird was really struggling with it, and seemed to wonder what to do.
It sounds like this:
Last updated on 8 November 2024
