Pelagic Cormorant Similar Species Comparison

Breeding adult

Large, slender waterbird—but smaller than most other cormorants, with a slender neck and thin bill. Black overall with a green sheen on the body.

Breeding adult

In flight, breeding birds show white patches on the lower flanks.

Nonbreeding adult

Nonbreeding adult

Large, slender waterbird with a thin neck and small bill. Nonbreeding birds are blackish overall.

Breeding adult

Breeding adults have white patches on the flanks, a greenish sheen on the body, a purplish sheen on the head, and a red chin patch.

Breeding adults and juveniles

Breeding adult

Breeding birds look dark overall but in the right light the body has a green sheen and the head a purplish sheen.

Immature and nonbreeding adult

Slender waterbird with a small head, thin neck, and thin bill. Immature and nonbreeding birds are dark overall.

Breeding adult

Adult

Breeds and roosts along rocky coasts and forages in coastal waters, never far from land. Smaller with a more slender neck and thinner bill than Double-crested Cormorant (center right, with light brown chest).

Nonbreeding adult