The double-crested cormorant (Nannopterum auritum) is a member of the cormorant family of water birds. It is found near rivers and lakes and in coastal areas and is widely distributed across North America, from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska down to Florida and Mexico.

The Double-Crested Cormorant (which rarely looks noticeably crested in the field) is the most generally distributed cormorant in North America, and the only one likely to be seen inland in most areas.

Double-crested Cormorants are the most widespread cormorant in North America, and the one most frequently seen in freshwater. They breed on the coast as well as on large inland lakes. They form colonies of stick nests built high in trees on islands or in patches of flooded timber.

A relative of birds such as the Great Frigatebird and Northern Gannet, the Double-crested Cormorant is the most numerous and widely distributed of the six North American cormorant species, which also include the Brandt’s, Pelagic, Red-faced, Neotropic, and Great Cormorants.

Discover the Double-crested Cormorant’s habits, habitats, and unique traits in this engaging, factual guide to North America’s iconic waterbird.

Dark body with orange bare skin at the base of the bill. Breeding adults are all black. Immatures and nonbreeders have paler breast. Dives underwater to catch fish. Swims like a duck in between dives. Finds open perches to spread wings and dry feathers. Can be in large flocks or solo.

The double crest of the Double-crested Cormorant is only visible on adults during breeding season. The crests are white in cormorants from Alaska and black in other regions. Cormorants often stand in the sun with their wings spread out to dry.

The Double-crested Cormorant is a bird with a prehistoric appearance that resembles a cross between a goose and a loon. They are close relatives of boobies and frigatebirds and are frequently seen in North American freshwater and saltwater environments.

DESCRIPTION: The Double-crested Cormorant is a relatively large seabird with generally black plumage, and black legs and feet. Sexes are similar except for the white crest, worn only by the breeding male.

During the breeding season, their eyes and the skin inside their mouths turn a bright blue, and they have white plumes of feathers on either side of their head, which is where the “double-crested” in their name comes from.