Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

Having a slender, long-necked silhouette that sits low in the water, this cormorant is a common sight in both fresh and salt water environments, but they are especially numerous along coastal areas. Making frequent dives on the hunt for small fish, these birds are expert swimmers. Colonies numbering many thousands can often be seen congregated on rocky outcrops out on the water with their wings outstretched, sunning themselves. The feathers of cormorants are less waterproof compared to other waterfowl, and they need to take breaks from diving to dry themselves out. They are very social creatures, and are known to come back to the same colony to nest every breeding season. As year-round residents of Rhode Island, they can be seen on the water even in the coldest months.

During the breeding season, the inside of the mouth turns an astonishing electric blue, while two tufts of feathers appear on either side of the head. But this can be tricky to see as they are the same dark color as the rest of the body. However, cormorants that populate the north western parts of the US develop white tufts, which are easy to spot.