Measurements
Both Sexes
- Length
- 27.6–31.1 in
70–79 cm - Wingspan
- 42.5 in
108 cm - Weight
- 49.4–95.2 oz
1400–2700 g
Other Names
- Cormorán de Brandt, Sargento guanero, Pato buzo
- Cormoran de Brandt (Spanish)
Cool Facts
- The Brandt's Cormorant is the least vocal of the North American cormorants at the nest. It makes sounds that are audible only from a few feet away.
- In the main part of its range, from California to Washington, the Brandt's Cormorant is tied to the rich food sources associated with upwellings of the California Current. In the nonbreeding season, when the effects of this current diminish, populations redistribute along the coast, occurring where food is locally available.
Habitat
Ocean
Found in inshore coastal waters, especially areas with kelp beds; also large bays and occasionally estuaries or coastal lagoons. Breeding colonies located on gentle slopes on windward side of islands, or steep cliffs with ledges.
Food
Fish
Fish and some squid.
Nesting
Nesting Facts
- Clutch Size
- 1–6 eggs
- Egg Description
- Pale blue or bluish white.
- Condition at Hatching
- Naked and helpless.
Nest Description
Substantial circular drum of dry matter collected from around colony, including items stolen from other nests, grass, moss, and weeds from near colony, seaweed collected by diving, and occasionally sticks or rubbish.
Nest Placement
Cliff
Behavior
Surface Dive
Dives from the surface of the water and chases prey under water. Grabs fish in bill, without spearing it.
Conservation
Least Concern
Legal protection from egging and hunting may have led to increases in populations from 1900 to 1970.
Credits
- Wallace, E. A. H., and G. E. Wallace. 1998. Brandt’s Cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicillatus). In The Birds of North America, No. 362 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.