Channel Islands Birds and Seabird Colonies

A widespread cormorant that nests on rocky islets and man-made structures in the Channel Islands; often seen perched with wings spread to dry. It uses both nearshore and estuarine habitats and feeds by diving for fish.

Note the medium-large size, relatively long neck, and habit of spreading wings to dry; look for pale facial patch and small tufts (crests) above the bill in spring.

Common Confusions

• Brandt's Cormorant Phalacrocorax penicillatus Double-crested typically has a paler facial skin and identifiable double crests in breeding adults, whereas Brandt's often shows a blue throat patch and darker overall plumage.
• Pelagic Cormorant Urile pelagicus Pelagic Cormorant is smaller, with a thinner profile and a more pointed tail; Double-crested is bulkier and shows the crests in breeding season.