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The Double-crested Cormorant
(Phalacrocorax auritus ) is a North American member of the cormorant
family of seabirds.This is a very common and widespread species.
They breed in coastal areas as well as near inland rivers and
lakes, building stick nests in trees, on cliff edges or on the
ground on islands. They are gregarious birds, usually found in
colonies, often with other aquatic birds. Their song is a deep,
guttural grunt.This bird feeds on the sea and fresh water lakes
and rivers. It winters anywhere along the coasts that is well-supplied
with fish. This is a large black bird (29"-36"), with
a wingspan up to 52". It has a long tail, yellow throat-patch,
and can appear to have a green sheen in certain lighting. The
white double head crest is seen for a short period during breeding
season in western birds. It is duller in eastern birds. Juveniles
are brown with a white face, foreneck, and breast.
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Like all cormorants,
the Double-crested dives to find its prey. It eats mainly fish,
but also amphibians, crustaceans. This bird swims low in the water,
often with just its neck and head visible, and dives from the
surface. They use their feet for propulsion and are able to dive
from 5-25 feet for 30-70 seconds. After diving, these birds spend
long periods standing with wings outstretched to allow them to
dry, since they are not fully waterproofed. They fly low over
the water, with their bills tilted slightly upward. They sometimes
leaving their colony in long, single-file lines.
Above Images
Come From The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
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