Double-crested Cormorant Photo Gallery

Breeding adult

Large waterbird with a long tail and neck. Breeding birds have small tufts on the side of the head, but can be difficult to see. Note orange-yellow skin around the base of the bill and chin.

Juvenile

Large, gangly waterbird with a long, hooked bill. Juveniles have orange-yellow skin around the bill and a paler neck and breast. After fishing, stands on docks, rocks, and tree limbs with wings spread open to dry.

Nonbreeding adult

"Wing-spreading" is a technique Double-crested Cormorants use to dry their feathers after swimming, as they lack waterproof feathers.

Breeding adult

Flies with a bend in its neck. Dark overall.

Breeding adult

Large waterbird with a long tail and neck. Breeding birds have small tufts on the side of the head, but can be difficult to see. Birds in the north west tend to have whiter tufts. Note orange-yellow skin around the base of the bill and chin.

Nonbreeding adults

Individuals rest and preen in large groups on rocky or sandy islands.

Juvenile

Juveniles have a pale neck and breast that gradually blends into its darker belly.

Nonbreeding adult

Sits low in the water. Nonbreeding birds are dark overall with orange-yellow skin around the bill and chin.

Flock

Migratory flocks form over both land and water in irregular V-formations. Double-crested Cormorants constantly flap their wings and have a bulky appearance when flying.