Neotropic Cormorant vs Double-Crested Cormorant

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

How to recognise a neotropic cormorant?

General appearance

The Neotropic Cormorant is a medium-sized bird with a slender, elongated body and a distinctive long neck. It has predominantly black plumage that appears greenish and glossy in sunlight. The bill is thin and hooked, and the skin around the face and throat is a dull yellow that becomes more vibrant during the breeding season. The tail is long and wedge-shaped, aiding in identification.

Male vs female

Males and females of the Neotropic Cormorant species exhibit similar appearance, making it challenging to distinguish between them based purely on physical traits. Both sexes have similar plumage and size; however, males may be marginally larger. Behavioral observations, particularly during mating displays, are more reliable indicators when differentiating between the two.

Juvenile

Juvenile Neotropic Cormorants differ notably from adults, with brownish plumage that is lighter underneath, lacking the glossy sheen seen in mature birds. The bill is lighter in color, and the facial skin is less vivid. As they mature, juveniles gradually develop the adult plumage and coloration. Seasonal variations do not significantly alter their appearance.

Size

25.2 - 28.7 in/35.3 - 45.9 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The Neotropic Cormorant primarily inhabits freshwater lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, often preferring warm, tropical, and subtropical climates.

Additional range

This bird can also be found in unexpected areas such as urban water bodies and arid regions, adapting to varying environmental conditions across its range extending from the southern United States to South America.

Range Map

What do neotropic cormorants like to eat?

Natural diet

The Neotropic Cormorant primarily feeds on fish, which it catches by diving underwater. It also eats amphibians, crustaceans, and insects. These birds hunt in both freshwater and saltwater environments, adapting to the availability of local aquatic life. They may sometimes consume small reptiles or other small aquatic animals when the opportunity arises.

Bird feeders

Neotropic Cormorants do not typically visit bird feeders as their diet consists mainly of live prey captured in aquatic environments. Bird feeders are generally not suited to their dietary habits, which rely on fresh fish and other water-based food sources.

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Double-Crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

How to recognise a double-crested cormorant?

General appearance

The Double-crested Cormorant is a large water bird with a long neck and a distinctive hooked beak. Its plumage is generally dark, with an iridescent blue-black sheen. During breeding season, adults exhibit striking orange skin around the base of the beak and a distinctive pair of white tufted crests.

Male vs female

Males and females are similar in appearance, both having dark plumage and orange facial skin, though males tend to be slightly larger in size. During the breeding season, the white crests are more prominent in both sexes.

Juvenile

Juvenile Double-crested Cormorants have brownish plumage rather than the dark iridescence seen in adults. Their underparts are paler, and they lack the distinctive orange facial skin and crests until they mature. This coloration can make them appear somewhat mottled.

Size

27.6 - 47.2 in/42.3 - 88.2 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

Double-crested Cormorants prefer coastal areas, lakes, rivers, and reservoirs with abundant fish. They thrive in temperate and subtropical climates.

Additional range

They may also inhabit urban environments and inland water bodies, adapting to unexpected habitats like golf course ponds and city harbors.

Range Map

What do double-crested cormorants like to eat?

Natural diet

The Double-crested Cormorant primarily feeds on fish, making up the bulk of its diet. It hunts by diving underwater, using its powerful legs to propel itself and its sharp eyes to spot prey. Common fish consumed include perch, catfish, and alewives. Aside from fish, the cormorant may also eat amphibians, crustaceans, and insects, depending on availability.

Bird feeders

Double-crested Cormorants are unlikely to visit bird feeders as their diet is primarily aquatic and they do not rely on seeds or similar food commonly found at feeders. They are more adapted to catching live prey in aquatic environments.

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Neotropic Cormorant

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Double-Crested Cormorant

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

General appearance

The Neotropic Cormorant is a medium-sized bird with a slender, elongated body and a distinctive long neck. It has predominantly black plumage that appears greenish and glossy in sunlight. The bill is thin and hooked, and the skin around the face and throat is a dull yellow that becomes more vibrant during the breeding season. The tail is long and wedge-shaped, aiding in identification.

Male vs female

Males and females of the Neotropic Cormorant species exhibit similar appearance, making it challenging to distinguish between them based purely on physical traits. Both sexes have similar plumage and size; however, males may be marginally larger. Behavioral observations, particularly during mating displays, are more reliable indicators when differentiating between the two.

Juvenile

Juvenile Neotropic Cormorants differ notably from adults, with brownish plumage that is lighter underneath, lacking the glossy sheen seen in mature birds. The bill is lighter in color, and the facial skin is less vivid. As they mature, juveniles gradually develop the adult plumage and coloration. Seasonal variations do not significantly alter their appearance.

Size

25.2 - 28.7 in/35.3 - 45.9 oz

There's more to learn about Neotropic Cormorant

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Double-Crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

General appearance

The Double-crested Cormorant is a large water bird with a long neck and a distinctive hooked beak. Its plumage is generally dark, with an iridescent blue-black sheen. During breeding season, adults exhibit striking orange skin around the base of the beak and a distinctive pair of white tufted crests.

Male vs female

Males and females are similar in appearance, both having dark plumage and orange facial skin, though males tend to be slightly larger in size. During the breeding season, the white crests are more prominent in both sexes.

Juvenile

Juvenile Double-crested Cormorants have brownish plumage rather than the dark iridescence seen in adults. Their underparts are paler, and they lack the distinctive orange facial skin and crests until they mature. This coloration can make them appear somewhat mottled.

Size

27.6 - 47.2 in/42.3 - 88.2 oz

There's more to learn about Double-Crested Cormorant

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How to tell the Neotropic Cormorant from the Double-Crested Cormorant

Visual differences

The Neotropic Cormorant is smaller (64-73 cm, 1000-1300 g) than the Double-Crested Cormorant (70-120 cm, 1200-2500 g). Neotropic features glossy black plumage with a greenish tint, a slender hooked bill, and dull yellow facial skin that brightens during breeding. The Double-Crested has an iridescent blue-black sheen, prominent orange facial skin, and white feather crests during breeding. Juveniles of both are brown but Neotropic juveniles have lighter underparts. Double-Crested adults typically appear bulkier with distinct head crests and more dramatic coloration in the breeding season.

Key differences and behavior

The Neotropic Cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum) and Double-Crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum) can be distinguished by several visual and behavioral cues. The Neotropic is smaller (64-73 cm) with a slender body, glossy black plumage, and long, wedge-shaped tail. In contrast, the Double-Crested is larger (70-120 cm), with iridescent blue-black plumage and distinctive white tufted crests during breeding. The Neotropic has dull yellow facial skin, becoming vibrant in breeding, whereas the Double-Crested displays striking orange facial skin. Both species prefer similar habitats but differ in range, with the Neotropic in tropical zones and the Double-Crested in temperate regions. Juvenile Neotropics appear lighter, as do juvenile Double-Cresteds, although both mature to darker, shiny plumage. Behavioral similarities include wing-drying; however, Neotropics are noted for nest-building courtship, while Double-Cresteds present fish as gifts. Both species dive for fish but vary mainly in physical traits and geographic presence.

Neotropic Cormorant or Double-Crested Cormorant?

Neotropic Cormorant

How to recognise a neotropic cormorant?

Habitat

What do neotropic cormorants like to eat?

There's more to learn about Neotropic Cormorant

Double-Crested Cormorant

How to recognise a double-crested cormorant?

Habitat

What do double-crested cormorants like to eat?

There's more to learn about Double-Crested Cormorant

Neotropic Cormorant

There's more to learn about Neotropic Cormorant

Double-Crested Cormorant

There's more to learn about Double-Crested Cormorant

How to tell the Neotropic Cormorant from the Double-Crested Cormorant

Visual differences

Key differences and behavior

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