Double-crested Cormorant

The Double-crested Cormorant is a large waterbird with matte dark plumage, a long neck, hooked bill, and vibrant orange-yellow facial skin. It is frequently seen swimming low in the water or perched with wings spread wide to dry.

Solid matte brownish-black to deep dark greenish-black; non-iridescent or subtly iridescent sheen on the dark feathers contrasting vividly with the orange-yellow bare facial skin.

Tightly pennaceous at the tip with a slightly plumulaceous base; dense structure designed to reduce air retention while submerged.

Relatively stiff and compact, with less preen oil retention compared to ducks, allowing feathers to absorb water for efficient deep diving.

Uniform dark blackish coloration, compact water-permeable feather structure, associated with bright orange-yellow facial skin near the bill base.

Lakes, rivers, swamps, estuaries, coastal bays, and marine waters near shores.

Widespread across North America, from Alaska and Canada down to Mexico and the Caribbean.

Top aquatic predator feeding primarily on fish, serving as an indicator of aquatic ecosystem health.

Neotropic Cormorant (smaller, white V-shape border behind gular patch), Great Cormorant (larger, white throat patch in adults), Anhinga (pointed bill, longer tail).

Unlike ducks, cormorants have less preen oil, making their feathers less waterproof; this allows them to sink easily and pursue fish efficiently underwater, but requires them to spread their wings to dry in the sun afterwards.

Feathers on the swimming bird appear intact, dark, healthy, and fully functional for aquatic diving.