Double Crested Cormorant Photos

These double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) were photographed on the La Jolla cliffs.

The double-crested cormorant ranges from Alaska to Nova Scotia south into Mexico — most of North America — wintering on both coasts. It swims underwater quite well, diving for fish and invertebrates up to 100′ deep (personal observation). However, since it does not have well-developed oil glands and is not waterproofed, it will often hold its wings aloft to dry them following a session of diving.

Double-crested cormorant, breeding plumage showing tufts.
Image ID: 15784
Species: Double-crested cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritus
Location: La Jolla, California, USA

Double-crested cormorants in flight at sunrise, long exposure produces a blurred motion.
Image ID: 15280
Species: Double-crested cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritus
Location: La Jolla, California, USA

Double-crested cormorant drys its wings in the sun following a morning of foraging in the ocean, La Jolla cliffs, near San Diego.
Image ID: 15071
Species: Double-crested cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritus
Location: La Jolla, California, USA