Pelagic Cormorant

Identification

The pelagic cormorant is a small member of the cormorant family, measuring 25 to 35 inches (64–89 cm) in length with a wingspan of about 3.3 feet (1.0 m). Adults in nonbreeding plumage are entirely black with a metallic iridescence. During breeding season, they develop two short crests—one on the crown and one at the nape—along with distinctive white thighs and scattered white filoplumes on the head and neck. The dark naked skin patch below the eye becomes vivid magenta during breeding. The bill and fully webbed feet remain black year-round. Immature birds are dark brown, lacking the iridescence of adults.

The closely related red-faced cormorant is easily distinguished in breeding plumage by its much larger naked facial skin extending well beyond the eye and above the bill. Nonbreeding birds and juveniles of both species can be nearly identical, though the red-faced cormorant is generally larger with a more prominent facial mask. The pelagic cormorant typically calls before taking off, a behaviour not shared by its congener.