The double-crested cormorant 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 markedly in recent years.
Region
North America
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from Alaska and western Canada across the Great Lakes and interior reservoirs to both Atlantic and Pacific coasts, south into the Gulf of Mexico and parts of Mexico and the Caribbean. It frequents lakes, rivers, estuaries, coastal bays, and offshore islands. Breeds colonially on isolated islands, cliffs, and in trees near water. Outside the breeding season it disperses broadly along coasts and major inland waterways, often roosting on pilings and sandbars.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
In breeding season it develops distinctive double tufts on the head, giving the species its name. Like other cormorants, it often perches with wings spread to dry its non‑waterproof feathers after diving. Once reduced by pesticide use (DDT), populations have rebounded strongly following regulatory bans. It sometimes comes into conflict with fisheries due to its fish‑eating habits.
Adult in breeding plumage with white crests
Juvenile plumage, California
Displaying, California
With a walking catfish
Eggs, Collection Museum Wiesbaden
Parent and a chick at the nest
Temperament
social and colonial
Flight Pattern
strong direct flight with steady wingbeats, often low over water
Social Behavior
Breeds in dense colonies, nesting on the ground, rocky ledges, or in trees using sticks and vegetation. Both sexes build the nest and share incubation and chick rearing. Roosts communally outside the breeding season and may forage alone or in loose groups.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet away from colonies. At nesting sites, adults give low guttural grunts, croaks, and hisses, with bill-clattering and other mechanical sounds during interactions.
Plumage
Mostly glossy black with a bronze-green sheen; juveniles are brownish with paler underparts. Breeding adults show fine white filoplumes on the neck and a double crest of short feathers.
Diet
Primarily fishes captured by pursuit diving, including schooling and bottom-dwelling species. Also takes crustaceans and occasionally amphibians when available. Swallows prey headfirst and may regurgitate indigestible pellets.
Preferred Environment
Forages in lakes, rivers, reservoirs, estuaries, and nearshore marine waters. Often hunts along shorelines, channels, and around structures such as piers and jetties where fish concentrate.
