Double-crested cormorant

Recognition
Mostly black in color. The bill has a hook on the end of it and the base of the bill is yellow in adult birds. Juvenile birds are pale brown in color.  About 2-1/2’ in height.

Where to see
Often seen swimming and diving for food in the canals of OBV. Sometimes a single is seen working the ponds at Lara Circle and Adam Drive. Likes to perch on channel markers and is a common sight on the Caloosahatchee.

Jimmy’s notes
Hunts by diving under water. Its presence indicates the presence of fish. Like the anhinga, it likes to spread its wings out after getting wet in order to dry them. Its crests are very difficult to see, if any!

The name cormorant is derived from the Latin for “Sea Raven”.