Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)

A juvenile Double-crested Cormorant was admitted to the wildlife hospital after being hit by two automobiles.  The good samaritan that brought the bird to us witnessed the traumatic event and quickly went to the birds aid.  After examination, only minor abrasions to the birds facial skin and lores were noted.  This young bird was aggressive and extremely alert.  He was treated for mild dehydration and given a safe place to recover from his accident.

After several days in the hospital, the Double-crested Cormorant was ready to be released!  Leslie Block, a Permanent Animal Care Volunteer, Rehabilitation Animal Care Volunteer, Wildlife Advisory Telephone Volunteer, and an officer of our board released the juvenile at Jones Beach State Park, where several other Cormorants have been sighted. 

Phalacrocorax auritus are one of the true Cormorants species found in the order Pelecaniformes.  The Double-crested Cormorant is one of two representative of the family Phalacrocoracidae found in our area (the other being the Great Cormorant P. carbo).  This unique bird is a delightful and comical character found in many of Long Island's habitats including open waters such as ponds to the Atlantic Ocean.  P. auritus finds its diet of mostly small fish by diving and hunting under water.  Although a waterbird, this Cormorants feathers are not water-repellent.  Much of the Double-crested Cormorants time is spent perched with its wings spread in order to dry out the wet feathers.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Pelecaniformes
• Family: Phalacrocoracidae
• Genes: Phalacrocorax
• Species: Auritus