The Bird with Vibrant Blue Green Eyes - Double Breasted Cormorant Facts

The Double Crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) was a species of concern in 1972, when human persecution led to drastically declining populations. Since then its population has greatly increased and is blamed for the decline of fish at fish farms and sport fisheries. There are in fact no documented facts to back this claim. The double crested cormorant is the only cormorant that is widespread in both inland as well as coastal regions of North America. Cormorants dive from the surface to chase prey underwater and to escape harm.

The double crested cormorant is a black water bird that measures 27-35 inches in length, with a large wingspan of 44-48 inches. The average weight being a mere 42-90 oz. Their faces are orange and black with intense bluish green eyes gives them a unique expression. Their habitat includes lakes, ponds, lakes, rivers, lagoons, estuaries and coastal areas. The primary diet of the double crested cormorant is fish, though it will also consume aquatic animals, amphibians and insects. The cormorant uses its bill to capture fish. The common misconception is that they spear fish which is not the case.

The double crested cormorant nest is large and flat, consisting of seaweed, rope, fish net, sticks and other debris. The nest is usually lined with grass like material. During breeding colonies their nests can be seen in trees or cliffs and the ground. The females lay -16 light blue eggs. When the chicks hatch from ground nests they are completely without feathers. Chicks in ground breeding colonies will leave the nest to socialize with other chicks then return to their nest during feeding. Adults shade the chicks from direct sun and bring them water by pouring it directly into the chick’s mouth.

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