Birds Active during the day

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

iNaturalist eBird Wikipedia

A striking sight on the water's edge, the Double-crested Cormorant is known for its primitive silhouette and its signature wing-drying pose. These resilient waterbirds are a testament to conservation success, having rebounded to become common across North American waterways.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 70–90 cm (27.5–35.5 in); Wingspan: 114–123 cm (45–48 in); Weight: 1.2–2.5 kg (2.6–5.5 lbs)

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Colors

Adults are matte black with a bronzy sheen on the wings. They feature a bright orange-yellow patch of skin on the throat and face. During breeding, they possess teal-blue eyes and small white or black tufts (crests) above the eyes. Immatures are dark brown with a paler tan chest and throat.

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Key Features

Hooked bill with a sharp tip for gripping fish
Large orange-yellow throat pouch
Distinctive 'wing-drying' posture with feathers spread wide
Snake-like neck profile when swimming low in the water
V-shaped flight formations similar to geese

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 7 AM - 6 PM

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Season Year-round in southern areas; April-October in northern regions

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Diet Primarily fish, including alewives, sunfish, and perch. They also consume crustaceans, amphibians, and occasionally insects, caught by pursuit-diving from the surface.

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Habitat Found in both freshwater and saltwater environments including lakes, rivers, bays, estuaries, and suburban retention ponds.

public Geographic range

Where Does the Double-crested Cormorant Live?

The Double-crested Cormorant is a true North American native, boasting one of the most expansive distributions of any waterbird on the continent. From the frigid coastlines of the Aleutian Islands and Newfoundland down to the tropical shores of Florida, Mexico, and even parts of the Caribbean, these birds are a common sight near almost any significant body of water. While many populations are migratory—moving south from Canada and the northern United States as lakes freeze—southern populations along the Gulf Coast and Pacific remain residents year-round.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

5 Countries

15.2M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

US United States CA Canada MX Mexico Bahamas Cuba

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

The Double-crested Cormorant is a social and highly visible waterbird, often seen in large groups perched on rocks, piers, or trees near water. Unlike many other waterbirds, their feathers are not fully waterproof; this lack of oil reduces buoyancy, allowing them to dive deeper and swim faster underwater. However, it also means they must spend hours 'sun-bathing' with their wings outstretched to dry them out after a hunt.

They are gregarious nesters, often forming dense colonies that can include hundreds of individuals. In the water, they swim low with only their neck and head visible, disappearing for long periods to chase prey. While they are generally quiet, they can emit low, guttural grunts at nesting sites. In suburban areas, they have become quite bold, frequently using man-made structures like bridges and boat docks as resting platforms.

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Camera Tips

To capture high-quality footage of Double-crested Cormorants, position your camera near low-profile structures that emerge from the water, such as flat rocks, fallen logs, or private dock pilings. Since these birds spend significant time 'drying out,' these sun-drenched perches are the best spots for clear, stationary shots. Set your camera at a slight downward angle from a higher bank or mount it directly to a pier post about 3 to 5 feet above the water level to avoid splashes while maintaining an eye-level perspective.

Because cormorants are strictly diurnal and most active during the middle of the day when the sun is high for drying feathers, avoid relying on infrared night mode. Instead, prioritize cameras with high dynamic range (HDR) settings to handle the high-contrast glare reflecting off the water and the bird's dark plumage. A fast shutter speed is essential if you hope to catch them in the act of landing or taking off, as their heavy-bodied departures are surprisingly powerful and splashy.

You don't need traditional bait for these birds; instead, 'lure' them by providing an attractive place to land. If you have a backyard pond or lakefront, a simple floating platform or a securely anchored branch can become a magnet for cormorants looking for a rest. During the spring breeding season, you may capture their unique 'double crest' tufts, so ensure your camera is positioned to capture side profiles which highlight these temporary feathers and their striking teal-colored eyes.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Double-crested Cormorant.

Anhinga

Features a straight, pointed bill rather than a hooked one, and a much longer, fan-like tail.

Great Cormorant

Larger with a white patch on the throat and thighs, and lacks the bright orange facial skin of the Double-crested.

Neotropic Cormorant

Smaller with a longer tail and a white 'V' shape bordering the throat patch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Double-crested Cormorants are strictly diurnal, meaning they are active during daylight hours. You are most likely to see them hunting in the water during the early morning and late afternoon, but they are most stationary and visible on perches during the sunniest parts of the day when they need to dry their wings.

If your backyard is adjacent to a lake or river, you can attract them by providing sturdy 'loafing' spots. A floating log or a wooden platform anchored just above the water level provides an ideal spot for them to rest and dry their feathers. They are not attracted to traditional bird feeders as they only eat live aquatic prey.

Their diet consists almost entirely of fish. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever species are most abundant, from small minnows to larger perch and eels. They hunt by diving from the surface and using their powerful webbed feet to chase fish underwater.

Yes, they have adapted remarkably well to human environments. They are frequently found in suburban golf course ponds, man-made reservoirs, and urban park lakes, provided there is a sufficient fish population and a place for them to perch.

While they look similar, the Double-crested Cormorant has a noticeably hooked bill, whereas the Anhinga has a straight, dagger-like bill. Additionally, cormorants have a shorter, more fan-shaped tail compared to the long, turkey-like tail of the Anhinga.

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