Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)

            Naples Botanical Gardens
Southwest, Florida
USA

The double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) is a member of the cormorant family of seabirds. Its habitat is near rivers and lakes 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 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.

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.

A very common and widespread species, it winters anywhere that is ice-free along both coasts, as far north as southern Alaska (on the west coast) and southern New England (on the east coast). 

It can be found as far south as Mexico and the Bahamas. It migrates from the coldest parts of its breeding range, such as eastern Canada, and has occurred in Europe. 

The double-crested cormorant swims low in the water, often with just its neck and head visible, and dives from the surface. It uses its feet for propulsion and is able to dive to a depth of 1.5–7.5 m (4 ft 11 in–24 ft 7 in) for 30–70 seconds.

This species flies low over the water, with its bill tilted slightly upward, sometimes leaving the colony in long, single-file lines.

Taken in: United States / Florida / Royal Harbor (show map)

Taken on: January 28, 2020

Tags:

Naples Botanical Gardens

Sanibel Island

USA

Double Crested Cormorant

Phalacrocorax auritus

Bird

Animal

Seabird

Rivers

Lakes

Coastal Areas

North America

Aleutian Islands

Mexico

Eats Fish

Feathers Not Waterproof

Dry Them Out

Once Threatened

Have Increased

Common

Widespread

Swims Low In Water

Sue Roehl

Panasonic

Lumix DMC GH4

100 - 400 mm Lens

Hand held

coth5

NGC « less

Sets appears in: • Naples Botanical Gardens 60 acre Wildlife Reserve

Groups appears in: • Wild Animals • wildlife photographers more » • SUPERB: commented with superb • FANTASTIC: commented with fantastic • EXCELLENT: commented with excellent • Beauty of Nature • ***The Wildlife Photography • Wild About Wildlife • Damn! I Wish I'd Taken That!!! (Invite Only) Post 1-Award2 . • Birding In The Wild • Fantastic Wildlife • National Wildlife Federation's Wildlife Watch • NatureLovers • NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ANIMALS • National Geographic Wild Life • National Wildlife Magazine Photo Group • Colors Of The Heart! *Invited Images Only*! • Nature's Carousel - Closed! • Flickr Global (Your Best Photographs). • Animal Central • Wildlife, KEEP IT WILD!!! • National Geographic Society • WILDLIFE & NATURE ONLY ~ No Limits Just Wildlife. • *Feathers & Beaks* P1 - A3 • Our Wonderful and Fragile World - P1 - A4 • Wild Birds of North America • NATURE'S SPIRIT (by invitation) (post 1/award 1) • BAT'S LAIR ( P 1 X A 3 ) SWEEPER IN OPERATION • Birding for everyone! (Field Guide of the World) • Worldwide Fauna • US Wildlife • FlickrCentral2 « less

Stats: 13,821 views / 122 comments

Link to this photo view:
Link to this photo large view: