Double Crested Cormorant, Prehistoric Diver

The Cormorant is probably THE most prehistoric (unsettlingly?) looking bird in the series, but also a fascinating tie to the past. They’re related to frigatebirds and boobies, and the Double-Crested variety is most common in North America. Though perhaps creepy from afar with S-curved necks, up close, they are colorful birds with orange-yellow facial skin, striking aquamarine eyes, and a mouth that’s blue on the inside. They’re most often seen with wings outspread on a rock or shoreline to dry out their wings after spending time in the water. Their feathers have less preen oil than other water birds, which likely helps with underwater agility. Make no mistake: these birds are built for swimming and fishing! Their hooked beak also acts as a natural fishing hook. 

Habitat is where there are large bodies of water to support their diet, which is mostly fish and the occasional crustacean or amphibian. When done fishing, they perch high to dry off and rest. They breed in the Northern Plains into Canada, and they migrate to Southern states and coastal shores for wintering. When swimming, they ride low, often only their necks visible above water. When ready to fly, they will stretch their necks in the direction they wish to go!

Males choose nest sites and attract females. To attract a mate for the season, a male cormorant will choose a nest site and then stand with his breast down and bill and tail up, showing off the crests on his head and bright colors of his neck and his eyes, grunting and slightly waving his outstretched wings. Males bring the nest materials (sticks, beach junk, vegetation) while females build on the ground or atop trees. Both incubate and feed chicks, which congregate in groups like Pelicans, and return to nests to be fed. Cormorants nest in colonies. They are of low conservation concern at this time.

Original mixed media on raw stretched canvas with maple float frame. Alternative hardwood frames available upon request.

Sources: All About Birds and Audubon Society