Brandt’s Cormorant

Scientific Name:
Phalacrocorax penicillatus

Found On

Bird Island Trail, Coal Chute Trail, Granite Point Trail, Moss Cove Trail, North Shore Trail, South Shore Trail
Description

Black sea bird (up to .9 m/3 ft in length) with a long neck and a dark beak with a hooked tip. They range from Baja California to Alaska.

Behaviors

They typically nest on the rocky shoreline along the coast and are often seen flying low along the ocean. Cormorants have special adaptations which allow them to sink and dive deep in the ocean to catch fish.

Fun Facts

Go deep! Brandt’s Cormorants have been reported to dive to depths of 46 m (150 ft) in search of fish. You can often see them spread their wings to dry them after a dive. That bright blue patch on the gular is a breeding color. When cormorants mate, they engage in a distinctive dance. 

Nature Topics
Wildlife and Birds, ShoreBirds

Habitat

Feeding

A black Brandt’s cormorant perched on a rocky shoreline with its head raised and wings partially spread, showing a bright blue throat patch.

Photo credit: ©Sara Courtneidge

Brandt’s Cormorant eats