Pelagic Cormorant
A species of Typical Cormorants and Shags Scientific name : Urile pelagicus Genus : Typical Cormorants and Shags
Pelagic Cormorant, A species of Typical Cormorants and Shags
Botanical name: Urile pelagicus
Genus: Typical Cormorants and Shags
Content
Description General Info
Description
This is a smallish cormorant which measures 25 to 35 in (64 to 89 cm) in length, with a wingspan of about 3.3 ft (1 meter) and a weight of 52–86 oz (1,474–2,438 g) when fully grown. Adults in nonbreeding plumage are all-black with a metallic iridescence. In breeding plumage they grow two short crests (one on top of the head and one at the nape), white thighs, and scattered white filoplumes on the head and neck. The long thin bill and the large feet with all-webbed toes are black throughout the year, while the patch of dark naked skin below the eye turns a vivid magenta in the breeding season. Males and females do not differ in appearance, though the latter is a bit smaller. Immature birds lack iridescence and are dark brown, grading into slightly lighter brown on the underside. The widely sympatric red-faced cormorant (P. urile) looks very similar. Breeding adults are easily told apart by the amount of naked facial skin, which does not noticeably extend beyond the eye in P. pelagicus, but extends to above the bill and above and behind the eye in P. urile; the latter species also has larger crests. Juveniles and nonbreeding adults of the two species are often indistinguishable even to trained observers when in mixed flocks, or if they cannot be observed up close. In the former case, the large naked face "mask" and light bill of P. urile can be easily recognized, in the latter case its larger size (though male pelagic cormorants can be as large as female red-faced cormorants). Unlike the red-faced cormorant, the present species usually calls out before taking off, particularly during the breeding season. In courtship display, nest material is typically torn and moved about (which P. urile might not do) and the males apparently do not bow their heads before the females as P. urile males do. Other North Pacific cormorants and shags are larger, with a thicker bill, and/or lack the white thighs in breeding plumage.
Size
66-74 cm (26-29 in)
Colors
Black
Green
Life Expectancy
18 years
Nest Placement
Cliff
Clutch Size
1 - 8 eggs
Feeding Habits
Pelagic Cormorant primarily consumes fish, dive hunting to depths of 140 feet. Pelagic Cormorant targets both reef dwellers and schooling species, using large feet for propulsion. Invertebrates supplement the diet. Hunting occurs in nearshore waters, sometimes in flocks but often solitary. Prey includes various fish like sandlance, sculpin, and rockfish, plus crustaceans and marine worms.
Habitat
Pelagic Cormorant predominantly inhabit marine coastal environments, particularly favoring steep, rocky shorelines, cliffs, and headlands adjacent to coastal waters. This species thrives at sea-level elevations in temperate climates where they can access nesting sites on narrow ledges and rugged coastal features. They adapt by occasionally nesting on man-made structures near waterbodies. Roosting occurs in similar rocky locales, as well as inlets, estuaries, harbors, and lagoons, with a preference for perching on natural or artificial substrates, rarely settling inland.
Nest Behavior
Males of pelagic Cormorant defend nesting sites and build nests which double as bases for future ones. Nest construction, egg-laying, and biparental care patterns are seasonally timed, ensuring offspring safety and nourishment.
Nest Characteristics
Pelagic Cormorant typically chooses narrow, inaccessible rocky cliff ledges beside the sea for nest sites. These can include artificial structures. Nests are shallow bowls around 17.3 inches wide, crafted from grass, seaweed, moss, and debris, and glued to the ledge with guano.
Dite type
Piscivorous
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Behavior
Pelagic Cormorant exhibit distinct pairing rituals, with males initiating courtship through wing-waving displays and flaunting red mouth linings to attract females. They demonstrate a strong pair bond through mutual nest-building and specific behavioral cues, such as synchronized neck movements and call-and-response actions. Pelagic Cormorant engage in reverse copulation, underscoring their unique mating behaviors. They typically forage within 25 miles from the nest to provide for their chicks, and partake in joint nest maintenance. Males assertively protect nesting territories, using intimidation and, if necessary, engaging in physical confrontations with intruders. Post-breeding season, pelagic Cormorant often disperse but show fidelity to nesting sites, returning early to secure them for future use.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Gannets and Relatives Family
Cormorants Species
Pelagic Cormorant