Double-crested Cormorant

Phalacrocorax auritus

The Double-crested Cormorant is the cormorant most likely to be seen inland, and the only cormorant commonly seen in South Dakota.  During breeding, two tufts of feathers (the "crests") appear on the head, being black and small in eastern birds, and white and larger on western birds.  The feathers are not waterproof, so the Double-crested Cormorant is often seen sitting on a stump or log, wings spread, to dry its feathers.

Habitat: Found in a wide variety of aquatic habitats, including large lakes and reservoirs, small ponds, and rivers in South Dakota. 

Diet: Fish, crustaceans, frogs, salamanders, snakes, and occasionally aquatic vegetation.

Behavior: Primarily forages by diving underwater while swimming at the surface, propelling itself with its feet underwater in search of prey. 

Nesting: May through August

Breeding Map: Breeding bird survey map

Song: Double-crested Cormorant Song

Migration: Birds in the interior of the country migrate to the coasts or extreme south in the winter.

Similar Species: Neotropic Cormorant (rare in South Dakota)

Status: After a considerable decrease until the early 1970's (probably due to DDT and other pesticides), Double-Crested Cormorants are now increasing both in numbers and range.

Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Double-crested Cormorant

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Double-crested Cormorant"

3) eNature.com: Double-crested Cormorant

Photo Information: May 5th, 2006 -- Madison Waterfowl Production Area near Madison, South Dakota - Terry L. Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Double-crested Cormorant photos.