They can be distinguished from immature reed cormorants by their darker underparts and shorter tail.

Crowned cormorants feed on slow-moving fish and invertebrates, which they forage for in shallow coastal waters and among kelp beds.

The nest is usually in an elevated position such as a rocks, trees or man-made structures, but may be built on the ground.

[4] Threats to the species include predation of eggs and chicks by kelp gulls and great white pelicans, human disturbance, oiling, and commercial fishing activities, including entanglement in marine debris and plastic fishing gear.

[1] According to the Sasol Birds of Southern Africa and The Eskom Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland, its status is Near Threatened due to its small distribution area,[5][2] though the IUCN lists it as Least Concern.