Double-crested cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

The double-crested cormorant (Nannopterum auritum) is a member of the cormorant family of water birds.

Family: Phalacrocoracidae Order: Suliformes Conservation: Least Concern

About the Double-crested cormorant

The double-crested cormorant (Nannopterum auritum) is a member of the cormorant family of water birds. It is found near rivers and lakes and in coastal areas and is widely distributed across North America, from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska down to Florida and Mexico. Measuring 70–90 cm (28–35 in) in length, it is entirely black except for a bare patch of orange-yellow facial skin and some extra plumage that it exhibits in the breeding season when it grows a double crest in which black feathers are mingled with white. Five subspecies are recognized. It mainly eats fish and hunts by swimming and diving. Its feathers, like all cormorants, are not waterproof, and it must dry them out after spending time in the water. Once threatened by the use of DDT, the numbers of this bird have increased

Fun Facts About Double-crested cormorant

Measuring 70–90 cm (28–35 in) in length, it is entirely black except for a bare patch of orange-yellow facial skin and some extra plumage that it exhibits in the breeding season when it grows a double crest in which black feathers are mingled with white.
Once threatened by the use of DDT, the numbers of this bird have increased markedly in recent years.
Its feathers, like all cormorants, are not waterproof, and it must dry them out after spending time in the water.
It mainly eats fish and hunts by swimming and diving.

Conservation Status

The Double-crested cormorant is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

Taxonomy & Classification

Order	Suliformes
Family	Phalacrocoracidae
Genus	Nannopterum
Species	Nannopterum auritum

Range & Habitat