Neotropic Cormorant
Neotropic Cormorant

The Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) is a member of the cormorant family, which also includes other species like the Double-crested Cormorant and Great Cormorant. They are smaller than these two relatives, only growing up to around 28 inches long with a wingspan of about 40 inches. The adult birds have glossy black feathers with green or blue highlights on their wings and head during breeding season. They have bright turquoise-colored eyes and long necks that they use for diving underwater to catch prey. Neotropic Cormorants can be found throughout much of Central America, South America, and some southern parts of North America. Some areas where you may spot these birds include Florida’s Gulf Coast; along rivers in Costa Rica; near freshwater lakes in Mexico; and on islands off the coast of Chile.

Photographer: Dave Saunders

Neotropic Cormorant

The Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) is a member of the cormorant family, which also includes other species like the Double-crested Cormorant and Great Cormorant. They are smaller than these two relatives, only growing up to around 28 inches long with a wingspan of about 40 inches. The adult birds have glossy black feathers with green or blue highlights on their wings and head during breeding season. They have bright turquoise-colored eyes and long necks that they use for diving underwater to catch prey. Neotropic Cormorants can be found throughout much of Central America, South America, and some southern parts of North America. Some areas where you may spot these birds include Florida’s Gulf Coast; along rivers in Costa Rica; near freshwater lakes in Mexico; and on islands off the coast of Chile.

Photographer: Dave Saunders