The pied cormorant is predominantly black on its back and upper surface of the wings and white on the underside with males weighing approximately 2.2kg and females 1.7kg.[2] It stands between 65-85cm tall, with a wingspan of 110-130cm. A small yellow patch between the bill and the eye on each side of the head is likely to have been the reason for the historical common name. It has large webbed feet which it utilises to pursue fish underwater, steering with half opened wings. The bird has a large hooked bill, green eyes with a blue eye ring and black legs and feet.[3] The eyes have a special nictitating membrane for underwater protection. The pied cormorant can often be seen spreading its wings after diving to help dry the feathers, as it has inadequate waterproofing. This lack of feather waterproofing may help the cormorant spend longer underwater due to decreased buoyancy effects.[4]

There are two recognized subspecies; Phalacrocorax varius varius (New Zealand) and Phalacrocorax varius hypoleucus (Australia)[5] with slight variation in physical characteristics. Similar species include the Black-faced cormorant (slightly smaller) and the little pied cormorant (substantially smaller). [6]

The pied cormorant is listed of least concern in the IUCN red list of threatened species[7], reflecting its large range with a relatively stable population.

In New Zealand its range on the east coast extends as far south as Christchurch, though this is a recent extension—older books report it no further south than Kaikoura. The range extensions have accompanied population recovery from heavy persecution in the early 1900’s[8] and likely represents recolonization of the former range.[2] The pied cormorant is listed as Nationally Vulnerable in New Zealand.[9] The population has been growing from around 700 breeding pairs in the 1950s to an estimated 3,000 pairs post 2000 (Refer to population trend data).

In Australia it is only moderately common in the eastern states (both the coast and inland wetlands), but abundant in the south-west, particularly along the coast.[3] Its federal conservation status is ‘secure’ and only changes to ‘near threatened’ in Victoria. It can be found in all states except Tasmania. The pied cormorant has been calculated to be at high-moderate risk from fishing – particularly from set and inshore drift nets.[10] Birds in colonies can often be observed entangled in recreational fishing line with hooks embedded in the body.[11] In the past, the pied cormorant was seen as competition for commercial fishing and sometimes shot.[12]