Leucocarbo atriceps (Imperial Cormorant or White-bellied Cormorant) is a marine cormorant species distributed along the southern coasts of South America, including Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands. It is characterized by black dorsal plumage, white ventral areas, blue orbital skin, and pinkish feet. In Uruguay, the species is considered a rare visitor, with occasional records primarily along the Atlantic coast during the austral winter.
In July 2025, a juvenile Leucocarbo atriceps was observed resting on the intertidal rocky platform at Playa El Emir, near the Virgin of Candelaria monument in Punta del Este, Maldonado Department. The bird was seen among individuals of Nannopterum brasilianum and displayed immature plumage typical of its age. Leucocarbo atriceps is a species rarely recorded in Uruguay, making this observation particularly noteworthy.
• Imperial shag, imperial cormorant
• Cormorán imperial
Scientific classification:
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Suliformes
Family:Phalacrocoracidae
Genus:Leucocarbo
Species:L. atriceps
Playa El Emir, Punta del Este, Maldonado, Uruguay
Camera: Canon EOS 77D / 9000D
Lens: Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary
Photo Taken: July 19, 2025
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