Phalacrocorax auritus auritus

(Lesson, 1831)

Vernacular names
English : Double-crested cormorant
French : Cormoran à aigrettes

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Pelecaniformes
Family : Phalacrocoracidae
Notes : 4 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach 91 cm in length for a weight of 3.4 kg and a wingspan of 137 cm. Plumage is black with a glossy greenish tinge on wings. Double small tufts above eyes. Bright yellow skin around cheeks and beak, light blue eyes.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in North America and breeds from south Alaska to south-central and eastern Canada, south to Florida and Cuba. Winters south to Mexico. Lives in coasts, mangroves, estuaries, lakes and rivers with trees and rocky areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is locally abundant within its range. Some populations have crashed in recent years because of persecution and pollution.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation
Wild (Brownsville TX, USA)

 

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