Long-tailed Cormorant in Kabalega Falls National Park, east of Albert, Lake, Uganda

Kabalega Falls National Park was established in 1952. It occupies 1,483 sq mi (3,840 sq km) of rolling grassland. Its central feature is the Kabalega Falls on the lower Victoria Nile River. The Long-tailed Cormorant or Reed Cormorant, (Phalacrocorax africanus) is a member of the cormorant family. It breeds in much of Africa south of the Sahara, and Madagascar. It is resident but undertakes some seasonal movements. This is a common and widespread bird species. It breeds on freshwater wetlands or quiet coasts. This is a small cormorant at 50-55 cm length and an 85 cm wingspan. It is mainly black, glossed green, in the breeding season. The wing coverts are silvery. It has a longish tail, a short head crest and a red or yellow face patch. The bill is yellow. The Long-tailed Cormorant can dive to considerable depths, but usually feeds in shallow water. It frequently brings prey to the surface. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for American Broadcasting Company and traveled to Africa from June 1966 to early August 1966.