Double crested cormorant

The Double crested cormorant is a large dark colored water bird, which is frequently seen sitting in groups on drifting logs, downed trees or any other available perch from Virginia to Florida, and points south of that.

It is about 30 inches long and has a massive wingspan of about 50 inches, or some 4 and half feet wide.

Both sexes are similar in appearances with very little difference between the two.

Double crested cormorant

They have a hooked bill and an extremely long tail, a long thin neck and the gular area is orange, which reaches down to the birds throat.

The adults are dark gray or black.

The lores are also deep orange.

Very often after hunting they can be seen with their wings spread out ward to dry them as they flap them gently.

During the breeding season they will develop small whitish colored plumes in their heads.

The juveniles are pale throated and chested with darker colors below the belly.

Some smaller birds are entirely pale colored.

They have a brownish tan or brown yellow back and upper wings.

On the water they resemble loons, however loons do not have hooked bills.

Anhinga has the long pointed bill and a much longer tail.

Double crested cormorants

All adult cormorants can be separated by the shape and color of their gular areas.

Find out more about the Double Crested Cormorant over at Wikipedia »