double crested cormorant
1. Bird Name:
The bird at focus here is the Double Crested Cormorant, known scientifically as Phalacrocorax auritus.
2. Appearance:
The double-crested cormorant boasts a prehistoric appearance marked by a long neck and a sizeable, angular, and hooked bill. This species is predominantly dark, having an iridescent sheen of green and purple on its body feathers, complemented with orange-yellow skin on the face and throat. The eyes are captivating with a striking emerald color. During the breeding season, adults develop a short crest of black or white feathers on each side of their head. Sexes in double-crested cormorants are very similar physically, and differences are negligible.
3. Size:
An adult double-crested cormorant generally measures between 70-90 cm (28-35 in) in length, with a weight range of 1.2 to 2.5 kg (2.6-5.5 lbs). In flight, they exhibit impressive wingspans that scale around 114–123 cm (45–48 inches).
4. Habitat & Distribution:
Double-crested cormorants are widely distributed across North America. They prefer freshwater and coastal habitats such as ponds, lakes, rivers, lagoons, and open coastlines. They are also found in parts of the Caribbean and the northern regions of South America.
5. Interesting Facts:
One fascinating behavioral trait of the double-crested cormorant is their habit of spreading their wings out wide to dry after diving, as their feathers are not entirely waterproof like other waterbirds. They are known to dive from the surface, propelling themselves underwater with their powerful webbed feet. Culturally, in certain regions of Asia, cormorants have been trained by fishermen to catch fish.
6. Diet:
Being a carnivorous bird, the double-crested cormorant’s diet primarily features fish. It also feeds on amphibians and invertebrates. They are skilled hunters and can dive up to depths of nearly 8 meters to catch their prey.
7. Behavior & Sounds:
The double-crested cormorant is a very sociable bird often seen in large flocks. They are not very vocal but do emit a low croaking sound, particularly during the breeding season. They build their nests in colonies, on the ground, rocks, or in trees, using sticks and seaweed.
8. Conservation Status:
According to the IUCN Red List, the conservation status of the double-crested cormorant is currently listed as Least Concern, meaning they are not under immediate threat of extinction.
9. Lifespan:
Double-crested cormorants may live up to 20 years, with the average lifespan approximately being around 6 years. This varies depending on whether they are living in the wild or captivity, with wild birds often living longer due to natural feeding habits and broader range of movement.
10. Additional Notes:
In some parts of the world, cormorants are considered a nuisance because they compete with fishers for resources. However, they play a vital role in maintaining the balance in aquatic ecosystems, controlling populations of potentially invasive fish. Double-crested cormorants, like all cormorants, lack oil glands for waterproofing their feathers, which make them excellent divers but also forces them to spend considerable time drying their wings in the sun before they can fly after foraging.
