Double-crested Cormorant

by Kathy Kelly

Title

Double-crested Cormorant

Artist

Kathy Kelly

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

The Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) is a member of the cormorant family of seabirds. It occurs along inland waterways as well as in coastal areas, and is widely distributed across North America, from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska down
to Florida and Mexico. It is between 28 - 35 inches long, with a wingspan of between 45 - 48 inches. Double- crested Cormorants weigh between 2 - 6 pounds. Males and females do not display sexual dimorphism. Double-crested Cormorants are dark brown and gain a small double crest of black and white feathers in breeding season. It has a bare patch of orange-yellow facial skin. They are found near lakes, rivers and along the coastline. After diving, the Double-crested Cormorant spends long periods
standing or perched in trees, with its wings outstretched to allow them to dry, since they are not fully waterproofed. It mainly eats fish, but will sometimes also eat amphibians and crustaceans. Smaller fish may be eaten while the bird is still beneath the surface but bigger prey is often brought to the surface before it is eaten. Double-crested Cormorants will often hunt fish collaboratively in large groups. They will herd the fish to shore or against rocks, where the birds in front will catch a fish and then move to the back of the line, then the next group of Cormorants moves up to feed.

Uploaded

April 18th, 2017

Statistics

Viewed 576 Times  -  Last Visitor from New York, NY on 04/11/2024 at 10:06 AM

Colors

Embed

Share

Sales Sheet

Tags