Urile penicillatus
Brandt's Cormorant (Urile penicillatus) is a robust, medium-sized marine bird, measuring approximately 84-97 cm (33-38 in) in length with a wingspan of 124-130 cm (49-51 in) and weighing 1.5-2.5 kg (3.3-5.5 lbs). Its plumage is predominantly dark, often appearing black with a greenish or purplish sheen in good light, making it a striking sight along the Pacific coast. A key field mark for breeding adults is the vibrant, iridescent cobalt-blue gular pouch at the base of the bill, which contras...
Exclusively marine, inhabiting rocky coastlines, cliffs, and offshore islands from sea level along the Pacific coast of North America.
Primarily piscivorous, feeding on a variety of small to medium-sized schooling fish such as rockfish, anchovies, herring, and flatfish, occasionally supplementing with crustaceans. They employ pursuit diving as their main foraging method.
Brandt's Cormorants are diurnal birds, frequently observed roosting in large communal groups on rocky outcrops, buoys, and cliff ledges. They are expert pursuit divers, propelling themselves underwater using their powerful webbed feet to catch prey, often diving to depths exceeding 60 meters for ...
The Brandt's Cormorant is exclusively found along the Pacific coast of North America, with its breeding range extending from southeastern Alaska southward through British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California, reaching as far south as Baja California, Mexico. While largely resident through...
Least Concern
- Brandt's Cormorants are among the deepest diving cormorant species, capable of reaching depths over 60 meters (200 feet). - During the breeding season, the gular pouch of adult Brandt's Cormorants turns a striking iridescent cobalt blue, a distinctive and beautiful field mark. - They are known ...