Double-crested Cormorant

The Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) is a member of the cormorant family of seabirds. It occurs along inland waterways as well as in coastal areas, and is widely distributed across North America, from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska down to Florida and Mexico. Measuring 70–90 cm (28–35 in) in length, it is an all-black bird which gains a small double crest of black and white feathers in breeding season. It has a bare patch of orange-yellow facial skin. Five subspecies are recognized.

The double-crested cormorant is found near rivers and lakes and along the coastline. It mainly eats fish and hunts by swimming and diving. Its feathers, like those of all cormorants, are not waterproof and it must spend time drying them out after spending time in the water. Once threatened by the use of DDT, the numbers of this bird have increased markedly in recent years.

Photo Gallery

13 thoughts on “Double-crested Cormorant”

Jet Eliot on April 2, 2018 at 9:07 am said:

Great post, HJ. We are so lucky to have abundant cormorants on this earth, such remarkable birds. I wasn’t aware that they were a species diminished by DDT. Enjoyed your photos too, and the last one gives good size perspective. I like their raggedy tail tip, and the first photo defines it beautifully.

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- avian101 on April 2, 2018 at 12:54 pm said:
  
  While in Peru I visited some islands entirely dedicated to mine super rich “guano” strata accumulated for many year of seabirds, which cormorants were great contributors. The high quality of this guano was more valuable than gold, for the great concentration of nitrate. It was excellent for use of fertilizer and making of explosives. Peru was the first exporter in the world. The old Incas knew about fertilizers and grew excellent crops for all their population.
  The cormorants are better swimmers and divers than flyers. Thank you my dear friend… 🙂
  
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  - prior.. on April 2, 2018 at 3:35 pm said:
    
    how interesting…..
jfwknifton on April 2, 2018 at 1:57 pm said:

Wonderful photos, as usual!

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- avian101 on April 2, 2018 at 5:18 pm said:
  
  Thank you John. 🙂
  
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mihrank on April 3, 2018 at 12:16 am said:

this is so joyful and beautiful post!!

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- avian101 on April 3, 2018 at 5:18 pm said:
  
  Thank you very much Mihrank. 🙂
  
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Ellada Valerie on April 3, 2018 at 12:18 am said:

I love cormorants, they are so beautiful. We have a lot in our island and it’s always fun to to observe them.

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- avian101 on April 3, 2018 at 5:20 pm said:
  
  That’s great! Thank you Ellada. 🙂
  
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Lisa Rest on April 5, 2018 at 1:56 pm said:

Beautiful photos, H.J.! I love Cormorants – I think they were my first “periscope” species… 🙂

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- H.J. for avian101 on April 5, 2018 at 2:19 pm said:
  
  They’re very versatile birds and adapt very well to different habitats. Thanks Lisa! 🙂
  
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bayphotosbydonna on April 16, 2018 at 8:26 am said:

Wonderful shots, what an awesome balancing act on the first one! 🙂

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- H.J. for avian101 on April 16, 2018 at 11:23 am said:
  
  Thank you very much Donna. 🙂
  
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