Lethal consequences of ingested foreign material in seabirds.

A pied cormorant (Phalacrocroax varius) was found sleeping on rocks in a coastal region near Adelaide. Examination revealed entanglement by fishing line with superficial wounds to the left leg. The cormorant was also reported to have ingested a number of fishing hooks, however, the exact location of the hooks was not known. In addition, the bird was found to be underweight and shocked. X-ray examination revealed two ingested fishing hooks embedded in the esophagus in the midneck, and in the stomach (Fig. 1). These had caused the cormorant to be unable to extend its neck for diving, feeding and/or flying. Surgical intervention was undertaken.