Details
Nannopterum auritum
A common dark cormorant of North American lakes and coasts, named for the paired head plumes of breeding adults.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
Uses lakes, rivers, reservoirs, estuaries, and coasts, roosting in groups on islands, rocks, trees, and structures.
The body is dark brown to black with a long neck and hooked bill. Breeding birds show orange facial skin and short crests.
It dives underwater after fish and often rests with wings spread to dry.
Fish dominate the diet, with crustaceans and amphibians also taken. Birds may feed alone or in groups.
Colonies nest on islands or waterside trees. Stick-and-plant nests hold chicks fed by regurgitated fish.
It sometimes conflicts with fisheries, but it is also a native predator with an important role in aquatic ecosystems.
