Double Crested Cormorant Watching in Oregon

The most common of North American cormorants, the Double Crested Cormorant is found throughout Oregon, though not in equal numbers throughout the year. They are usually quite easy to spot, being all black with the exception of some orange patches on their face, and being nearly three feet long. Their reputation of feeding heavily at sport fisheries and fish farms has made them very unpopular in certain circles.The Double Crested Cormorant feeds mostly on fish, but are also known to eat insects and other creatures in and around the water. They are usually found swimming quite deep in the water, with just its head and neck above the surface, and then diving down to catch the fish below. Like other cormorants, the Double Crested Cormorant does not have water-proof wings so it has to dry out with wings spread for periods between hunting sessions.

Habitats for Double Crested Cormorants

Double Crested Cormorants are found in a wide variety of aquatic situations. During winter they are often feeding in the ocean, and other times of the year they are commonly in lakes, ponds, and rivers. They are commonly found in the Tualatin National Wildlife Refuge among other places in the area.

Best seasons to see Double Crested Cormorants in Oregon

The Double Crested Cormorant moves around quite a bit and Oregon is part of their migration territory. During summer and winter they are more common than during spring and fall, though they are usually present in some numbers all year round.

Double Crested Cormorants in Oregon summary

Typical habitat: Open water of all varieties
Seasons: All year, but most common in summer and winter
Abundance: Common most of the year

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