Pelagic Cormorant Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    A large seabird with a long, thin neck, a long tail, and a narrow, small head. Breeding adults have short crests on the front of the crown and the hindcrown. Pelagic Cormorants are smaller and slenderer than other cormorant species of the Pacific.

    Relative Size

    Larger than a Snowy Egret, notably smaller and slenderer than a Double-crested Cormorant.

    Relative Sizebetween crow and goosebetween crow and goose
    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 20.1-29.9 in (51-76 cm)
      • Weight: 48.3-86.1 oz (1370-2440 g)
      • Wingspan: 39.4-47.6 in (100-121 cm)

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