The pelagic cormorant, also known as Baird's cormorant or violet-green cormorant, is a small member of the cormorant family Phalacrocoracidae. Analogous to other smallish cormorants, it is also called the pelagic shag occasionally. This seabird lives along the coasts of the northern Pacific; during winter it can also be found in the open ocean. Pelagic cormorants have relatively short wings due to their need for economical movement underwater, and consequently have the highest flight costs of any bird.
Region
North Pacific Rim
Typical Environment
Occurs along rocky coasts and offshore islands from Japan and the Russian Far East across the Aleutians and Alaska to British Columbia and down the Pacific coast to California. It favors exposed shorelines, sea stacks, headlands, and sheltered bays with nearby reefs. Nests on narrow cliff ledges and steep island slopes, often in small colonies. Outside the breeding season it ranges more widely offshore but remains closely tied to nearshore marine habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called Baird's or violet-green cormorant, it is a small, slender seabird of the North Pacific. In breeding season it shows striking white flank patches and delicate head crests over an iridescent green‑violet sheen. It dives with powerful strokes to chase fish along rocky reefs and kelp beds and can remain submerged for over a minute. Because of short wings adapted for diving, it has unusually high flight costs compared to most birds.
Nonbreeding adult U. p. resplendens on Morro Rock (California, United States)
Pelagic cormorants (presumably U. p. resplendens) at Kitsap Peninsula (Washington, United States) preening after fishing. Note spread-winged posture of bird in center.
Adult on a nest in San Luis Obispo, California, United States
A parent with approximately one-month-old chicks on a nest
The largely sympatric red-faced cormorant (U. urile, shown here in breeding plumage) is the pelagic cormorant's sister species
Temperament
wary and typically quiet, often solitary or in small groups
Flight Pattern
direct, low over the water with rapid, shallow wingbeats
Social Behavior
Breeds on sea cliffs and offshore islands in loose colonies or dispersed pairs. Pairs are seasonally monogamous; both parents incubate and feed the chicks. Nests are built from seaweed and grasses, cemented with guano on narrow ledges.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally silent away from colonies. At nest sites it gives low, guttural croaks and grunts, along with hissing and rasping calls during displays and territorial encounters.
