Pelagic Cormorant
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The Pelagic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pelagicus †) is a small (25"-29", 64-74 cm long) member of the cormorant family found on the coasts of the northern Pacific.
It is a black-bodied seabird with a metallic gloss. Its facial skin is a vivid magenta.
It is distinguished from other cormorants in the region by its small head and much thinner bill. Also, it is the only cormorant in its region that has conspicuous white patches on its flanks during the breeding season.
This bird feeds by diving into wild seas and surf near boulders.
The Pelagic Cormorant's USA range includes the Pacific shore from Alaska to Baja, Mexico.
It is also known as Baird's Cormorant.
†pelagicus: Greek for that which pertains to the sea.
References
- BirdLife International (2004). [Phalacrocorax pelagicus]. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 10 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
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