Brandt's Cormorant, Phalacrocorax pencillatus |
|
![]() Brandt's Cormorants are found mostly around rocky shores along the Pacific Coast of North America, a habitat they share with the Pelagic Cormorant; Brandt's are distinguished by their larger size, proportionately thicker neck, and blue rather than red chin pouch in breeding plumage. Brandt's also roost, nest, and forage in large groups, while Pelagic are usually solitary or in very small groups. |
|
![]() In breeding season, above and below, the bare skin under the bill turns blue, and the bird adds white feather streamers ("filoplumes") on the side of the neck. | |
![]() | |
![]() The non-breeding plumage, above. |
|
![]() Above, a juvenile, brown all over; this bird was photographed on the shore of San Francisco Bay, away from the usual ocean shore habitat. |
|
![]() A Brandt's Cormorant, right, with a Double-crested Cormorant, both in breeding plumage; these two species are about the same size, contrasting with the smaller Pelagic. |