Double-crested Cormorant

Identification

The double-crested cormorant is a large waterbird measuring 70–90 cm in length, with a stocky body, long neck, medium-sized tail, and a medium-sized hooked bill. Its plumage is entirely dark, with distinctive bare patches of orange-yellow or yellow facial skin. Males and females are identical in appearance. During the breeding season, the bird develops its characteristic nuptial crests—either white, black, or a mixture of both—located just above the eyes, with the bare facial skin becoming distinctly orange. Non-breeding adults lack these crests and display more yellowish facial skin. The bird's bill is dark-colored. In regions where ranges overlap, the double-crested cormorant can be distinguished from the similar great cormorant by its more yellow throat coloring and bill characteristics, and from the neotropic cormorant by subtle plumage differences.

Range & Habitat

This species is widely distributed across North America, ranging from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska south to Florida and Mexico. Five subspecies are recognized, each occupying distinct regions: the nominate subspecies has the largest population, ranging from the Great Basin and Rocky Mountains eastward through central and eastern North America, including the Canadian prairies and Great Lakes. The Pacific coast subspecies breeds from British Columbia south to Mexico, while the Alaskan subspecies inhabits the southern coast of Alaska and Aleutian Islands. The Florida subspecies occurs from Texas east to the Atlantic and south to Florida, and the Bahamian subspecies is restricted to mangrove areas around interior lakes of San Salvador. The bird is found near rivers and lakes as well as in coastal areas.

Behaviour & Diet

Double-crested cormorants are accomplished hunters that mainly eat fish, pursuing their prey by swimming and diving underwater. A notable characteristic of this species is that its feathers, like those of all cormorants, are not waterproof. After spending time in the water, the bird must dry out its plumage—a familiar sight as cormorants perch with wings spread open. Once threatened by widespread DDT pesticide use, the population of this species has increased markedly in recent years, representing a significant conservation success story.

Best Time & Places to See It

The breeding season is the best time to observe these birds, when they develop their distinctive double crests and vibrant orange facial skin. They can be found year-round in many parts of their range, particularly in the Great Lakes region, along both Pacific and Atlantic coasts, and throughout Florida. Look for them near any body of water—lakes, rivers, and coastal bays—where fish are abundant.

Photography Tips

Photograph breeding adults when their nuptial crests and bright orange facial skin are most prominent. The birds' habit of perching with spread wings to dry their plumage offers excellent photographic opportunities to capture their distinctive silhouette and dark plumage. Capture them diving or surfacing to document their hunting behavior, and position yourself near shorelines or jetties where they rest between dives for optimal viewing and shooting angles.