This heavy-bodied water bird is often confused with the Anhinga because of their similar size, color, and the fact that both breeds lack the oil glands with which to preen and so must perch with their wings half-open to dry them in the sun. Their bodies are much heavier than the slimmer Anhingas and their beak has a hook on the end while the Anhinga’s is sharply pointed. Another distinguishing feature is their bright orange throat patch.
Their diet consists mainly of fish and they can be found in both fresh and salt water areas.
Like the Anhingas, the Cormorant can swim submerged under water. They use both of the totally webbed feet simultaneously in a rowing mortion, but when swimming on the surface they paddle with alternate feet.
A long-lived bird, the oldest substantiated banded cormorant was 23 years of age.
All of the photos on this page were taken in Orange County, Florida.
The photo to the left and below are of an adult and a young bird. Even though they are pretty much the same size now, the adult still brings food and regurgitataes it in the youngster's throat.