Double-crested Cormorant: where and when to see them

The double-crested cormorant is a familiar fish-eating bird along New England's coast and inland waters. Adults appear mostly dark, with orange facial skin and a long neck that gives them a distinctive upright resting posture. The two small breeding crests are often far less obvious than the name suggests. Colonies can occupy rocky islands, trees or artificial structures, and seasonal gatherings may include both local breeders and migrants.

Size

70–90 cm long; 114–123 cm wingspan

Weight

1.2–2.5 kg

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Cormorants pursue fish beneath the surface and often emerge some distance from where they disappeared. Between feeding bouts they rest on rocks, pilings or branches, sometimes spreading their wings. They nest colonially, bringing sticks and other material to platforms on the ground or in trees. Birds commute in lines or loose formations, and communal roosts can grow large outside the nesting season when suitable feeding and resting areas coincide. Cormorants pursue fish beneath the surface and often emerge some distance from where they disappeared. Between feeding bouts they rest on rocks, pilings or branches, sometimes spreading their wings. They nest colonially, bringing sticks and other material to platforms on the ground or in trees. Birds commute in lines or loose formations, and communal roosts can grow large outside the nesting season when suitable feeding and resting areas coincide. This 'wing spreading' behavior is thought to aid in drying their wettable feathers, which lack the full waterproofing oils found in many other aquatic birds. Their social nature extends beyond breeding, as they often forage in coordinated groups to herd fish.

• The paired head crests are seasonal and can be surprisingly inconspicuous.
• Its eyes are vivid blue-green at close range.
• All four toes are connected by webbing.
• Young birds often have a noticeably paler throat and breast than adults.

Spring through autumn generally provides widespread coastal observation in New England, with breeding birds and migrants contributing to numbers. Some remain in winter, particularly farther south and where water stays open. Local abundance changes with weather, prey and migration. Spring through autumn generally provides widespread coastal observation in New England, with breeding birds and migrants contributing to numbers. Some remain in winter, particularly farther south and where water stays open. Local abundance changes with weather, prey and migration. Large numbers migrate south from New England as waters cool and food becomes scarcer, though some non-breeding birds may linger. The arrival of spring migrants in April often coincides with fish spawning, offering excellent viewing opportunities.

Sheltered bays, estuaries, rocky coasts, rivers and lakes all support this adaptable species. Safe roosts and nearby fish are more important than a single shoreline type. New England's harbours and coastal islands provide particularly accessible opportunities for distant land-based observation. Sheltered bays, estuaries, rocky coasts, rivers and lakes all support this adaptable species. Safe roosts and nearby fish are more important than a single shoreline type. New England's harbours and coastal islands provide particularly accessible opportunities for distant land-based observation. Inland populations also utilize large rivers, reservoirs, and human-made impoundments. The species often nests on small, predator-free islands or in dead trees standing in water.

Fish dominate, especially small or moderately sized species that can be swallowed whole. The prey mix changes among marine, estuarine and freshwater habitats. Crustaceans and other aquatic animals are occasional additions, and feeding is usually opportunistic rather than narrowly specialized. Fish dominate, especially small or moderately sized species that can be swallowed whole. The prey mix changes among marine, estuarine and freshwater habitats. Crustaceans and other aquatic animals are occasional additions, and feeding is usually opportunistic rather than narrowly specialized. Their diet typically consists of bottom-dwelling fish species, which they efficiently capture by diving. Common prey include sculpins, sticklebacks, and juvenile flounders.

Common name

Double-crested Cormorant

Scientific name

Nannopterum auritum

Animal group

Birds

Size

70–90 cm long; 114–123 cm wingspan

Weight

1.2–2.5 kg

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Identification

Its orange throat skin and smaller build distinguish it from the great cormorant, whose adult breeding plumage includes a prominent white throat border and thigh patch. Its orange throat skin and smaller build distinguish it from the great cormorant, whose adult breeding plumage includes a prominent white throat border and thigh patch. Adults are entirely black with a slight green or purplish sheen on their plumage. Juveniles typically show brownish plumage on their back and head, with a paler chest and belly that gradually darkens with age.