Flightless Cormorant
Nannopterum harrisi
Near ThreatenedAves · Suliformes · Phalacrocoracidae
About
The flightless cormorant, also known as the Galápagos cormorant, is a cormorant endemic to the Galápagos Islands, and an example of the highly unusual fauna there. It is unique in that it is the only known cormorant that has lost the ability to fly. It was placed in its own genus, Nannopterum, but then was later placed with most of the other cormorants in the genus Phalacrocorax. A 2014 study supported reclassifying it and two other American cormorant species back into Nannopterum. The IOU followed this classification in 2021.
Fun Fact
It is unique in that it is the only known cormorant that has lost the ability to fly.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found on just two islands; Fernandina, and the northern and western coasts of Isabela.
Diet
To be updated
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Hunting and Collection
- Climate Change