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Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)

The Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) is a striking waterbird known for its glossy black plumage and distinctive yellow-orange facial skin. Commonly found near water bodies, this species is easily recognizable by the two tufts or "crests" that appear on its head during the breeding season.

Parc des Rapides - 2022-10-08
Location: Parc des Rapides
Date: 2022-10-08
Camera: NIKON Z6
Lens: NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Z TC-2.0x
Settings: f5.6 • 1/2000 • ISO 500
Focal Length: 400mm
Parc de la Cité - 2022-07-23
Location: Parc de la Cité
Date: 2022-07-23
Camera: NIKON Z6
Lens: NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Z TC-2.0x
Settings: f/11 • 1/1250 • ISO 1000
Focal Length: 400mm
Parc Angrignon - 2019-09-29
Location: Parc Angrignon
Date: 2019-09-29
Camera: NIKON Z6
Lens: 300mm f/4.0
Settings: f/5.6 • 1/1250 • ISO 5000
Focal Length: 420mm
Parc Angrignon - 2018-10-20
Location: Parc Angrignon
Date: 2018-10-20
Camera: NIKON D500
Lens: 300mm f/4.0
Settings: f8.0 • 1/1600 • ISO 2000
Focal Length: 420mm
Parc des Rapides - 2017-09-30
Location: Parc des Rapides
Date: 2017-09-30
Camera: NIKON D500
Lens: 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3
Settings: f6.3 • 1/2000 • ISO 900
Focal Length: 600mm
Parc des Rapides - 2016-10-15
Location: Parc des Rapides
Date: 2016-10-15
Camera: NIKON D7100
Lens: TAMRON SP AF 150-600mm F5-6.3 VC USD A011N
Settings: f6.3 • 1/2000 • ISO 500
Focal Length: 600mm
Parc des Rapides - 2016-09-03
Location: Parc des Rapides
Date: 2016-09-03
Camera: NIKON D7100
Lens: TAMRON SP AF 150-600mm F5-6.3 VC USD A011N
Settings: f6.3 • 1/1000 • ISO 360
Focal Length: 600mm
Parc des Rapides - 2015-09-20
Location: Parc des Rapides
Date: 2015-09-20
Camera: NIKON D7100
Lens: 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6
Settings: f5.6 • 1/640 • ISO 320
Focal Length: 300mm
Parc Angrignon - 2015-08-08
Location: Parc Angrignon
Date: 2015-08-08
Camera: NIKON D7100
Lens: 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6
Settings: f5.6 • 1/400 • ISO 800
Focal Length: 300mm

Common Names

🇨🇦Double-Crested Cormorant
🇫🇷Cormoran à aigrettes
🇩🇪Ohrenscharbe
🇲🇽Cormorán orejudo

Taxonomy

OrderSuliformes
FamilyPhalacrocoracidae

Characteristics

Length70-90cm
Weight1.2-2.5kg
Wingspan114-123cm
Clutch Size1-7 eggs
Incubation25-33 days
Fledging3-4 weeks
Sexual Maturity2 years

Explore More

📖 Wikipedia Page: For more information about this species.

Identification and Whereabouts

The Double-crested Cormorant is an entirely black bird distinguished by its yellow to orange bill and facial skin. It is often seen perched on rocks or tree trunks, occasionally spreading its wings to dry. In flight, it is known to glide along rivers, diving into the water to catch fish.

The Double-crested Cormorant is frequently observed at Parc des Rapides, particularly from early spring through late autumn. This location offers ample opportunities to witness these birds in their natural habitat.

Location Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Parc Angrignon x x x -
Parc Michel-Chartrand - - - x
Parc de la Cité - x - -
Parc de la Frayère x x - -
Parc des Rapides - x x -
Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park - x - -
Parc national du Bic x - - -
Parc Île-de-la-Visitation x - - -

"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.

Captured Moments

Videos are hosted on YouTube. Click on a thumbnail to watch it.

All content on this page — including photos, videos, and field audio recordings — was created by Karl-Heinz Müller, a Montréal-based wildlife filmmaker, sound recordist, and photographer. Founder of MUUUH and Québec Sauvage, he has spent over a decade documenting Canada’s natural habitats through immersive soundscapes and wildlife films. Learn more about Karl-Heinz

Last updated: 2025-10-04