[2][3] This is one of the largest cormorants found in south-western Australia[2] and has pied plumage with the upper half of its body black and the undersides white.

[4] The back feathers are glossy, and its bill is dark grey with a prominent hook at the tip.

[4] Black-faced cormorants have very subtle sexual dimorphism, making it difficult to differentiate sexes in the field.

[4][7][6] However, when they are at their nests, the male will emit a loud honk or guttural croak, and the female will hiss when approached.

[2] Because the black-faced cormorant is an exclusively marine bird, its behaviours enable it to be well-adapted to its environment.

Its diet generally consists of benthic or demersal fish, as well as some cephalopods, and varies between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

[9] After diving, the black-faced cormorant will spread its wings to dry its feathers in the sun.

[7] Nesting sites are on bare rocks, often close to water, and are solidly built of driftwood, seaweed, and other plants with a 35–45 cm diameter.

[4] The breeding season for black-faced cormorants varies between populations, and has been observed to occur anywhere from June to February.

In the Bass Strait, the black-faced cormorant breeds from June to September, with a peak laying date around the end of July.

Black-faced cormorants are considered 'Least Concern' by the IUCN, due to their large range and populations.