Pelagic Cormorant Identification

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

Adults with Double-crested Cormorant

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