ExploreBirds

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

The Double-crested Cormorant is a sleek bird that loves to dive underwater to catch fish. With its long neck and dark feathers, it can often be seen drying its wings after a swim.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Double-crested Cormorant is a large, dark water bird with a slender, hooked bill and an orange-yellow throat pouch. Adults develop small feather crests on their head during breeding season, making them distinct from other cormorants.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderSuliformesFamilyPhalacrocoracidaeGenusPhalacrocorax
Double-crested Cormorant
feathered trait badgewebbed_feet trait badgesocial trait badgepiscivorous trait badge
Double-crested Cormorant

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

220

Interesting facts

Baby cormorants are born featherless and completely blind!

Their bones are denser than most birds', helping them sink effortlessly underwater!

They can eat up to 20% of their own weight in fish daily!

They cool down on hot days by rapidly fluttering their gular pouch!

Special abilities

Ability

Underwater Goggles

Double-crested Cormorants have a clear nictitating membrane that covers their eyes like goggles, helping them see clearly while diving for fish.

Ability

Wing Dryer

Double-crested Cormorants spread their wings in the sun to dry because their feathers aren't fully waterproof, which helps regulate buoyancy.

Ability

Gulping Pouch

Double-crested Cormorants have a large, stretchy gular pouch that helps them hold and swallow entire fish, even big ones!

Measurements & details

Length
70-90 cm
Wingspan
120-150 cm
Weight
1.2-2.5 kg
Lifespan
5-20 years
Top Speed
55 km/h
Clutch Size
1-7
Incubation
25-30 days
Migration Distance
3200 km

Diet & Feeding

These expert fishers use their sharp bills to catch a wide variety of fish and other small aquatic animals.

Primary Foods

  • perch
  • minnows
  • carp
  • eels
  • crustaceans

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

American CormorantCrested Cormorant

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Double-crested Cormorant?

70-90 cm

What is Double-crested Cormorant's wingspan?

120-150 cm

How much does Double-crested Cormorant weigh?

1.2-2.5 kg

How long does Double-crested Cormorant live?

5-20 years

How fast can Double-crested Cormorant move?

55 km/h

What does Double-crested Cormorant eat?

These expert fishers use their sharp bills to catch a wide variety of fish and other small aquatic animals.

Where is Double-crested Cormorant usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Double-crested Cormorant hunt?

Pursuit

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Where to spot

More Birds