Double Crested Cormorant
These double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) were photographed on the La Jolla cliffs.
The double-crested cormorant ranges from Alaska to Nova Scotia south into Mexico – most of North America – wintering on both coasts. It swims underwater quite well, diving for fish and invertebrates up to 100′ deep (personal observation). However, since it does not have well-developed oil glands and is not waterproofed, it will often hold its wings aloft to dry them following a session of diving.
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| Double-crested cormorant, breeding plumage showing tufts, La Jolla, California. Image: 15784 Species: Phalacrocorax auritus |
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| Double-crested cormorant drys its wings in the sun following a morning of foraging in the ocean, La Jolla cliffs, near San Diego, California. Image: 15071 Species: Phalacrocorax auritus |
Double-crested cormorant, La Jolla cliffs, near San Diego, California. Image: 15090 Species: Phalacrocorax auritus |
Double-crested cormorants in flight at sunrise, long exposure produces a blurred motion, La Jolla, California. Image: 15280 Species: Phalacrocorax auritus |
See all of our double-crested cormorant photos.
Keywords: double-crested cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritus.
