Double-Crested Cormorant
Nannopterum auritum
Aves › Suliformes › Phalacrocoracidae › Phalacrocorax
Conservation status: least_concern
The Double-crested Cormorant is a large, dark waterbird with a long neck and hooked bill that dives underwater to catch fish, often swimming with just its head and neck above water. It gets its name from the two tufts of feathers that appear on its head during breeding season, and you'll often see flocks of them perched on rocks, driftwood, or buoys with their wings spread open to dry.
How To Identify
It is a medium to large diving bird characterized by striking dark plumage and a prominent, erectile double crest atop its head.
Habitat
It typically inhabits freshwater and coastal saltwater environments including lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastal bays across North America, with expanding populations in Central America.
Behaviour
This cormorant is a pursuit diver that can propel itself underwater using powerful feet to catch fish, and it often swims with only its head and neck above water, earning it the nickname 'snake bird.'
Native Range
It is found near rivers and lakes and in coastal areas and is widely distributed across North America, from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska down to Florida and Mexico.
Did You Know?
The species name comes from the Latin word for "eared," which refers to its nuptial crests.
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