Double-Crested Cormorant

     Today's featured feathered friend is the Double-Crested Cormorant.  Of the 30 Cormorant species worldwide, six can be found in North America.  Of these, the Double-Crested Cormorant is by far the most abundant and widespread.  This large heavy-bodied bird can be found all across North America.  There are five subspecies of the Double-Crested Cormorant.  Sizes can vary within the subspecies but generally they are 27 to 35 inches in length, weighing between 2.5 to 5.5 pounds, with a wingspan of up to 48 inches.  Cormorants in Alaska are the largest, those in Florida are the smallest.  

     The Double-Crested Cormorant has a stocky body, long neck, medium-sized tail, webbed feet and a medium-sized hooked bill.  They are black with yellow or orange facial skin.  Adult males and females are similar in appearance.  Juveniles are dark gray or brown, with a pale upper breast and dark belly.  In breeding plumage a "double-crest" is visible on the crown, hence their common name.  These crests are white in Cormorants from Alaska, and black in other regions.
     The diet of the Double-Crested Cormorant is almost exclusively fish.  It dives under water to find it's prey and can stay submerged for over a minute.  After diving, it stands with outstretched wings, allowing them to dry.  They have less preen oil than other birds, so their feathers can get soaked rather than shedding water like a duck's.  Enjoy these photos of the Double-Crested Cormorant.....tweet.....tweet!!   



Double-Crested Cormorant drying it's wings.
(Taken 2/2/12, Venice FL) 

 

Double-Crested Cormorants fishing.
(Taken 2/2/12, Venice FL)

 http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Double-crested_Cormorant/id