Double-crested Cormorant

The Double-crested Cormorant is a large, dark waterbird with a long neck, hooked bill, and yellowish-orange facial skin. They are often seen swimming low in the water or perched on rocks and pilings with wings held out to dry.

Uniform very dark brown to near-black coloration throughout the vane, with a subtle dark sheen typical of cormorant body plumage; the calamus is whitish to pale tan near the base.

Pennaceous at the upper distal tip with tightly interlocked barbules, transitioning into a semiplume or plumulaceous structure with loose, downy barbs at the proximal base.

Smooth and somewhat stiff in the upper pennaceous portion, becoming soft and fluffy at the base. Cormorant feathers lack complete waterproofing oils, which is why they frequently hold water and require drying.

Uniform dark brown-black coloration, rigid pennaceous tip transitioning into a fluffy base, and pale basal shaft.

Found near various aquatic habitats including lakes, rivers, swamps, estuaries, and coastal marine environments.

Widespread across North America, inhabiting both inland freshwater bodies and coastal regions, migrating seasonally from northern breeding grounds to southern coastal wintering areas.

Acts as an apex or mid-level piscivorous predator in aquatic ecosystems, helping regulate fish populations.

Other dark-plumaged waterbirds such as ducks, geese, or other cormorant species, distinguishable by exact structural and microscopic barb characteristics.

Unlike most other waterbirds, cormorants do not possess fully waterproof feathers. This adaptation allows them to become waterlogged, reducing their buoyancy and making it easier to dive deep for fish.

Good condition with intact barbs and minimal fraying, showing a clean separation between the pennaceous and plumulaceous sections.

Massachusetts. Lake Kenoza. 3 1/2 inches including barb. Very dark brown to black