Red-faced Cormorant: where and when to see them

Red-faced cormorants are North Pacific seabirds associated with remote rocky coasts, especially the Aleutian region and neighbouring waters. Adults appear dark at a distance, but good light reveals greenish and purplish gloss. Breeding birds develop conspicuous red facial skin, paired crests and white flank patches. Their close resemblance to pelagic cormorants makes identification challenging from a moving deck, particularly outside the breeding season when facial colour and ornamental plumage become less obvious.

Size

Length 71–89 cm

Weight

1.5–2.3 kg

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

These cormorants nest colonially on narrow cliff ledges, building nests from seaweed, grasses and other available material. Pairs defend small areas immediately around their nests rather than large feeding territories. They pursue fish beneath the sea surface and return to exposed rocks or ledges to rest. Flights along the coast are direct, with the neck extended. Seasonal movements occur, but many birds remain within the northern Pacific coastal region. Courtship rituals involve head bobbing, neck stretching, and mutual preening between mates on the nesting ledges. They are strong, powerful fliers, often flying in V-formations or single file low over the water surface when traveling between foraging areas and colonies.

• White flank patches are seasonal breeding ornaments.
• Both sexes participate in nest building and parental care.
• Its range spans both Asian and North American sides of the North Pacific.
• The bare facial skin is more useful for identification than overall dark plumage.

Late spring and summer provide the most practical Alaska viewing conditions, with longer daylight and breeding adults showing useful identification features. Colony activity varies by location and weather. Outside this period, birds may still occur coastally, but access and identification become harder. Prime viewing aligns with the breeding season, offering chances to see elaborate courtship displays and active chick rearing. During this period, their distinctive red facial skin is most vibrant, aiding identification.

Rocky marine shorelines, offshore stacks and steep island cliffs provide breeding and roosting habitat. Feeding usually occurs in nearby coastal waters rather than inland lakes. In Alaska, the strongest association is with western and southern island coasts, not every accessible harbour. They prefer exposed outer coasts and offshore islands rather than sheltered bays or fjords. Colonies often form on very steep or vertical cliffs, making them inaccessible to terrestrial predators.

The diet consists mainly of marine fishes, including bottom-associated species, with some crustaceans and other invertebrates. Prey composition changes with local conditions and availability. Birds capture food below the surface and carry nourishment back to chicks at crowded cliff colonies. They are opportunistic feeders, adjusting their diet based on the most abundant prey species available. Feeding dives can be surprisingly deep, reaching depths of over 50 meters in pursuit of fish.

Common name

Red-faced Cormorant

Scientific name

Urile urile

Animal group

Birds

Size

Length 71–89 cm

Weight

1.5–2.3 kg

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Identification

Breeding red-faced cormorants have a more extensive red face and paler bill than pelagic cormorants, which share their slender build and white flank patches. Beyond the red facial skin, look for a pale bill with an orange or yellowish base, which is distinct from the darker bills of other cormorant species. Immature birds have duller plumage and lack the prominent red facial markings.