Similar in length, but slightly slimmer overall than Double-crested Cormorant. In flight, they hold their necks straighter; neck and head more streamlined than Double-crested. Adults are all black. During nesting season, they show some greenish iridescence, a bright azure blue throat pouch, and may have long white plumes extending from each cheek down the sides of the neck. All ages have dark bills that are slightly hooked at the tip. Non-breeding adults and immatures have a small tan throat patch. Hatch-year and immatures, which lack the gloss shown by adults, are dusky brown overall, paler tannish brown on the breast and foreneck, and show thin buffy edgings on wing coverts.

Length: 80 (cm) Wingspan: 120 (cm)

Voice:

Mostly silent; occasional guttural croaks and growls may be heard at nest sites.

Habitat:

Found exclusively in salt or brackish waters. Nests and roosts on sea stacks and rocky coastal headlands.

Behavior:

On the water, holds bill angled slightly upward.

Feeding:

Dives for fish in both the open ocean and in coastal estuaries.