The
double-crested cormorant (
Phalacrocorax auritus) is a member of the
cormorant family of
seabirds. It occurs along inland waterways as well as 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 an all-black bird which gains a small double crest of black and white feathers in breeding season. It has a bare patch of orange-yellow facial skin. Five subspecies are recognized.
The double-crested cormorant is found near rivers and lakes and along the coastline. It mainly eats
fish and hunts by swimming and diving. Its feathers, like those of all cormorants, are not waterproof and it must spend time drying 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.
note: some pictures maybe of a very close relative;
the Anhingahttp://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/birds/waterbirds/anhinga/
