It is common in smaller rivers and lakes throughout most areas of Australia and northern New Zealand, where it is known as the little black shag.

The little black cormorant was formally described in 1837 by the German born naturalist Johann Friedrich von Brandt.

[8] In breeding season, white feathers appear irregularly about the head and neck, with a whitish eyebrow evident.

[9] The little black cormorant ranges from the Malay Peninsula through Indonesia (but excluding Sumatra) and New Guinea (including the D'Entrecasteaux Islands) and throughout Australia.

[6] It is a predominantly freshwater species, found in bodies of water inland and occasionally sheltered coastal areas.

[12] Breeding occurs once a year in spring or autumn in southern Australia, and before or after the monsoon in tropical regions.

The nest is a small platform built of dried branches and sticks in the forks of trees that are standing in water.

The eggs are covered with a thin layer of lime, giving them a matte white coated appearance.