[2] Pelagic cormorants have relatively short wings due to their need for economical movement underwater, and consequently have the highest flight costs of any bird. Pelagic Cormorants can look rather dull and dark but when you get them close in the sunshine their plumage has a dazzling sheen of blues and greens. Avibase is an extensive database information system about all birds of the world, containing over &1 million records about 10,000 species and 22,000 subspecies of birds, including distribution information for 20,000 regions, taxonomy, synonyms in several languages and more. It can dive as deep as 140 ft (43 m) to feed on or near the seafloor. Unlike Brandt's cormorants, which sometimes hunt cooperatively, pelagic cormorants hunt alone. They also share the back-thrown head during the "yawning" and the rapid wing-flutter in courtship display. This name would apply to the group around its type species (Brandt's cormorant, P. penicillatus). When in flight, the head and neck are held out in a straight profile parallel to the water. breeding. The Pelagic Cormorant is among the least gregarious or social of the cormorants, nesting on steep cliffs along rocky and exposed shorelines, either in loose colonies or far from nearest neighbors. The pelagic cormorant breeds from the Bering Sea south to northern Baja California. Strictly coastal. So it often perches to preen and spread its wings to dry. Byrd, G.V. Like all cormorants, this includes stretching the gular sac with the hyoid bone and repeated "yawning"; as in many but not all cormorants, the pelagic cormorant's display furthermore includes arching the neck and hopping, lifting the folded wings and rapidly fluttering them to show the white thigh patches. This is a full-time position. Typical prey are smallish, bottom-living non-schooling fishes, such as Ammodytes sand eels, sculpins (Cottidae), gunnels (Pholidae) and Sebastes (rockfish). Verification of subspecies status would require DNA sequence analyses however, since the differences in morphology are not large and there is much variation between individuals. The nest is repaired and improved in each season if need be; it can thus grow up to 5 ft., but it usually does not grow from year to year. Thus, the birds return to a safe roost after foraging to preen and dry their feathers, typically adopting a spread-winged posture. The ranges of these two species are very similar and they often share the same breeding grounds. In some cases these birds alternate between two or three nesting sites in a region from one year to another. [2], Males searching for a mate or bonding with their partner give an elaborate courtship display, as is typical for Sulae. It lives in neritic and coastal or supratidal marine habitats in the western United States, western Canada, and northwestern Mexico. Range. Introduction They often diving into heavy surf for crabs, worms and small fishes. Range extends from the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, out the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands to the Kamchatcka Peninsula, … The pelagic cormorant in central and southern California breeds on the rocky shores and cliffs along the coast, but substantial colonies breed on San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Anacapa, Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz islands from March to August. [2], Males and females do not differ in appearance, though the latter is a bit smaller. They nest along with other cormorants and other seabirds on steep, remote cliffs where they're safer from predators. It is slender in appearance, with a long tail, a slim dark bill, and a head that is no wider than its neck. & Williams, J.C. (2004): Cormorant surveys in the Near Island Group, Aleutian Islands, Alaska in July 2003 with notes on other species. Analogous to other smallish cormorants, it is also called the pelagic shag occasionally. The pelagic cormorants energy needs are further exacerbated due to its small size, which demands that its roosting and nesting sites are in close proximity to its foraging sites. It feeds only during the day and for short periods of time. Birds that breed from Washington southward are permanent residents, but birds breeding farther north migrate to winter in northern Washington waters. The Pelagic Cormorant uses its own guano to solidify its nest materials and to cement its nest to the cliff face. The pelagic cormorant is the smallest and most delicate of the north Pacific cormorants. The pelagic cormorant (Phalacrocorax pelagicus), also known as Baird's cormorant, is a small member of the cormorant family Phalacrocoracidae. Conservation Status The measurements of 40 eggs, in various collections, average 61.7 by 40.4 millimeters; the eggs showing the four extremes measure 65 by 40 and 51 by 36 millimeters. Visit the Recreation Report. 3. The bright red bare skin of its face becomes duller in winter. Geographic range. Pelagic cormorants forage only during the day and usually alone in sheltered bays and inlets. 5. The long thin bill and the large feet with all-webbed toes are black throughout the year, while the patch of dark naked skin below the eye turns a vivid magenta in the breeding season. Stictocarbo kenyoni Siegel-Causey, 1991 During the breeding season the skin under their eyes turns a vivid magenta. The Pelagic Cormorant can be seen all along the western coast of North America. Reproduction ... Brandt's cormorant is present all year, fewer in winter than in summer. Breeding adults are easily told apart by the amount of naked facial skin, which does not noticeably extend beyond the eye in P. pelagicus, but extends to above the bill and above and behind the eye in P. urile; the latter species also has larger crests. Its chosen habitat is a marine environment, including freshwater lakes. Habitat. Basic plumage is black with a glossy iridescent green and violet-bronze on the body, and violet-purple on the neck. Some of these birds may nest in coastal northern Alaska and across the Bering Straights to the Siberian coast. Range $18.96 to $21.00 per hour depending on experience and responsibilities. The nest is built at the cliff face, usually on ledges, less often in crevices or caves. The Brandt's cormorant is a seabird found only in North America with a range along the coast from Alaska to Mexico. It may be that these were kenyoni, but whether the bill color distinguishes the presumed subspecies or whether it is due to a simple mutation has not been determined. Phalacrocorax pelagicus Pelagic Cormorants are found along inshore coastal waters. This bird can be found in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, the Russian Federations, Korea, China and Taiwan. Population Estimate: Unknown, but Least Concern status. Relatives. Pelagicus is – like the English loanword "pelagic" – derived from pelágios (πελᾶγιος, "of the open seas"). … Read more The Pelagic Cormorant feeds mainly on nonschooling medium sized fish, but also consumes invertebrates, maine worms and crustaceans. Thus, the birds return to a safe place after foraging to preen and dry their feathers, typically adopting a spread-winged posture. This seabird is a small member of the cormorant family and is also known as Baird's Cormorant. Range maps of Californias regularly-occurring vertebrates were digitized as GIS layers to support the predictions of the CWHR System software, which allows users to query for wildlife species meeting a set of location and habitat conditions. It … Pelagic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pelagicus) is a large water bird but the smallest of the other species of cormorants. The initiation of pair formation and nest building varies geographically and relies heavily upon food supply. They usually swim until locating prey, and though preferring shallow waters, may dive to 180 feet (55 m) to on or near the floor of the sea, steering with their wings and propelled by their feet as they chase their prey under water. Pelagic Cormorants are not naturally water-proof and must spend time preening and grooming their feathers with oil collected from a gland at the base of the tail. Similarly, Leucocarbo would refer to the group around the imperial shag (P. atriceps) complex, which occurs on the opposite end of the Earth from P. pelagicus. Groaning and hissing calls around breeding colonies. Juveniles are duller than adults, especially on the face, but usually show some pale pinkish at the base of the bill. Analogous to other smallish cormorants, it is also called the pelagic shag occasionally. It … [4], This is a smallish cormorant which measures 25 to 35 in (64 to 89 cm) in length, with a wingspan of about 3.3 ft (1 meter) and a weight of 52–86 oz (1,474–2,438 g) when fully grown. Pelagic cormorants can dive as deep as 100 feet. Many authors favor The southern range usually experiences earlier inititation dates, but on average breeding plumage is usually seen in February and nest building commences shortly thereafter. This Alaskan specialty nests on islands in cold seas, associating with a wide variety of other seabirds. Among the Compsohalieus group, the red-faced cormorant is the sister species of P. pelagicus. Appearance Alaska to Baja California. The pelagic cormorant's range extends from the Chukchi and Bering Seas south along the North American Pacific coast to Baja California, and along the Asian coast to southern China. Thinner bill and neck than similar Brandt's Cormorant. adult plum. Large, long-bodied water birds, but small in comparison to other cormorants. Black overall. The clutch can range from 3 to 7 eggs but an average clutch is 3 to 4 eggs. Did you know? The pelagic cormorant's range extends from the Chukchi and Bering Seas south along the North American Pacific coast to Baja California, and along the Asian coast to southern China. Avibase is an extensive database information system about all birds of the world, containing over &1 million records about 10,000 species and 22,000 subspecies of birds, including distribution information for 20,000 regions, taxonomy, synonyms in several languages and more. Phalacrocorax pelagicus pelagicus (n Pacific islands and coasts) The point-and-gargle response to threats is also an apomorphy of these two species. Dark glossy-green cormorant with a bluish neck, red face, and yellowish bill. Being one of the least social or gregarious cormorants, Channel Island National Park, due to its isolation from the mainland, provides an ideal environment for its breeding on all five channel islands. Like all cormorants, due to their vestigial uropygial gland their plumage is not waterproof. When they feel threatened, they will dart their bills at the intruder, and shake their heads and make a gargling noise. San Miguel Island, the westernmost island in Channel Islands National Park, is home to the most important breeding colony of this species in Southern California. The difference between them is slight and generally agrees with Bergmann's Rule:[2], The Amchitka cormorant or Kenyon's shag (P. kenyoni) is a supposed species that was presumed to be closely related to the pelagic cormorant. Photo by ©Greg Gilson. Male Pelagic Cormorants choose to build small and shallow nests on rocky cliffs or on man-made structures such as bridges and shipwrecks, using debris from the ocean (such as rope and plastic). Similar to: Red-faced Cormorant. At hatching, the young weigh somewhat more than an ounce and are naked, but they soon grow sooty-grey down feathers. Nest sites are usually on narrow ledges on steep rocky cliffs. About 60% of these are found in California. The range of Brandt's Cormorant and Pelagic Cormorant are similar, but Brandt's Comorant is easy to identify because of its white cheek. They all have black feet, and in breeding plumage grow white filoplumes on the head and/or neck, and usually also two head-crests and white thigh patches like the present species does. Pelagic Cormorant Annual Range. Its wintering range is from the Pribilof Islands to the Aleutian Islands and south along the North American Pacific coast to Baja California, as well as from the south Bering Sea along the eastern shores of Kamchatka and south to Hong Kong. Cormorants have high energy needs for swimming and flying, and they cannot fast for long periods or store much body fat. They can spring straight up out of the water into the air and fly. Also, in breeding season Brandt's Cormorant has a blue throat. In Washington, significant increases in the population were recorded between 1976 and 1992. Found on rocky coastlines; breeds in colonies on precarious cliff faces. Immature birds are dark brown, with the same proportions as adults. They reach sexual maturity at two years of age, and a maximum age of almost 18 years has been recorded in the wild. The male will select a nest site and start nest construction and is then assisted by the female. Pelagic cormorants have relatively short wings due to their need for economical movement underwater, and consequently have the highest flight costs of any bird. Like all cormorants, this includes stretching the gular sac with the hyoid bone and repeated "yawning"; as in many but not all cormorants, the Pelagic Cormorant's display furthermore includes arching the neck and hopping, lifting the folded wings and rapidly fluttering them to show the white thigh patches. The Pelagic Cormorant has a large range estimated to be between 100,000 to 1,000,000 square kilometers. Otherwise, the displays are given in silence. Habitat In North America they are only found on the Pacific Coast. Red-faced Cormorant has a more orange face patch, although the patch is larger and more conspicuous. The height of the nesting season Is reached by the 10th of June. Preferred habitats include offshore and inshore waters. Johnsgaard) in a genus Leucocarbo. Juveniles and nonbreeding adults of the two species are often indistinguishable even to trained observers when in mixed flocks, or if they cannot be observed up close. Despite the fact that the population trend for the pelagic cormorant appears to be decreasing, the decline is not believed to be sufficiently rapid to approach the thresholds for vulnerable status. They have a coral-red throat patch and neat white patches on the flanks. The ranges of these two species are very similar and they often share the same breeding grounds. Its North American range extends from Alaska to the Baja peninsula in Mexico. This bird can be found in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, the Russian Federations, Korea, China and Taiwan. Hear the call of the pelagic cormorant. Though it was proposed to place the pelagic cormorant in Stictocarbo for example, this is quite certainly wrong, as the present species is by no means closely related to the spotted shag (P. punctatus), the type species of Stictocarbo. During the yawning display, the head is thrown back and calls are given which differ between males and females; when the birds land, males and females give an identical call. [5], The pelagic cormorant inhabits the shores and the neritic zone of the North Pacific. The feet of these expert divers are located far back on the body to give them forward thrust underwater. The bare facial skin is a vivid magenta. The Pelagic Cormorant and the Brandt's Cormorant can be seen along North American coastlines. Double-crested, Red-faced, and Pelagic cormorants are the only cormorants found in Alaska. overview; data; media; articles; maps; names [18], In 2003, during an USFWS survey three small pelagic cormorants whose bills appeared to be red were noted at Karab Cove on Agattu Island. The Red-faced Cormorant lives in the southern regions of Alaska out into the Aleutian Islands. Range / Habitat: A seabird of the northern Pacific. Since there appear to be at least two recognizable and allopatric size groups in the northern subspecies alone, more research is clearly necessary. This page was last edited on 20 October 2020, at 16:57. The range of the Pelagic cormorant extends along the western coast of North America from Alaska to the Baja peninsula. It furthermore is found on the Aleutian and other Bering Strait islands, and from the Russian Far East Chukchi Peninsula via Sakhalin south to Kamchatka, and ultimately Kyūshū (though not the rest of Japan). Title Pelagic Cormorant Range - CWHR B047 [ds1405] Publication date 2016-02-0100:00:00 Presentation formats digital map FGDC geospatial presentation format vector digital data Other citation details These are the same layers as appear in the CWHR System software. As distinctive cormorants were never seen alive in recent years on Amchitka, it was conjectured by some that Kenyon's shag might have gone extinct in the 1960s–1970s (marine pollution and overfishing would be possible reasons). It can dive as deep as 140 ft (43 m) to feed on or near the seafloor. Also, in breeding season Brandt's Cormorant has a blue throat. They do not form large colonies, but smaller groups may nest together. The red-faced cormorant is closely related to the pelagic cormorant P. pelagicus, which has a similar range, and like the pelagic cormorant is placed by some authors (e.g. Compsohalieus, meanwhile, means "sleek fisher"; it derives from kompsós (κομψός, "elegant" or "sleek") + (h)alieus[15] (ἇλιεύς, "fisherman"). Some bones from prehistoric middens on Amchitka were also attributed to this taxon. Present year-round in most of range, but vacates northernmost breeding areas (western Alaska) in winter when waters freeze, and becomes more common off southern California and Baja in … The bulk of its population is found in the relatively inaccessible waters of the Bering Sea region; about 50,000 each breed in the Kuril Islands, the Bering Sea islands, and the U.S. state of Alaska and its offshore islands (including the Aleuts). In this case, the pelagic cormorant would probably be placed in Compsohalieus. Pelagic Cormorant Scientific Name: Phalacrocorax pelagicus. Range from the arctic waters of the Chukchi and Bering Seas, south along the North American Coast to Baja California. Apart from looking almost alike, these two species also "yawn" many times in a row instead of giving the display just once, twist their bodies before taking flight during courtship, and the male and female post-landing calls are identical. The pelagic cormorant feeds mainly on fish, which it pursues both close to shore and far out at sea. [9], This numerous and widespread species is not considered threatened by the IUCN. They have a coral-red throat patch and neat white patches on the flanks. Orta, Jaume (1992a): 12. This numerous and widespread species has a very large range and is not considered threatened by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). [12], In fact, the correct genus name for the pelagic cormorant, if Phalacrocorax is to be split up, would be Compsohalieus. This seabird lives along the coasts of the northern Pacific; during winter it can also be found in the open ocean. It forages near shore along rocky substrate, and in California it is frequently seen along the fringes of kelp forests. immature. Oil spills, gill-net entanglement, and toxic contamination of prey also affect the population. [13], Its traditional scientific name is the literal Latinized Ancient Greek equivalent of the common name: Phalacrocorax is an ancient term for cormorants; literally, it means "bald raven", from falakrós (φᾶλακρός, "bald") + kórax[14] (κόραξ, "raven"). Presently, they are used to help generate a tabular location database for the system software. They nest on coastal cliffs and forage in rocky water, rarely traveling far from shore despite their name. Phalacrocorax pelagicus pelagicus (n Pacific islands and coasts) 4. Nests are usually conpact and saucer shape, and guano acts as a cement to hold it together and to the cliff. Analogous to other smallish cormorants, it is also called the pelagic shag occasionally. The double-crested cormorant has the largest range, with it being found in watered areas across the continental US and along the southern coast of Alaska (Figure 2). Immature birds lack iridescence and are dark brown, grading into slightly lighter brown on the underside. The large birds from the Prince William Sound region were formerly called P. p. robustus, but are not considered distinct today. Like other Pacific Cormorants, it can dive up to 100ft for small fish, crabs and other feed. Slender, thin-necked and thin-billed diving waterbird. Spends winters from southern Alaska south to Baja California. As with all cormorants, due to their vestigal preen gland, their plumage is not waterproof. Pelagic Cormorants are coastal birds with a breeding range that extends from Southern California to northern Alaska. Migration Found on rocky coastlines; breeds in colonies on precarious cliff faces. Pelagic cormorants are the smallest of the North American cormorants. Juveniles are duller than adults, especially on the face, but usually show some pale pinkish at the base of the bill. Pelagic Cormorant: Three to five pale blue eggs are laid in a nest made of seaweed, feathers, and other debris; nests become large due to re-use year after year. It has been observed to join mixed-species feeding flocks going after schools of young Pacific herrings (Clupea pallasii). This species' small size enables it to spring directly from the water, rather than paddling along the surface as other cormorants are required. Their North American range extends from Alaska to the Baja peninsula in Mexico, but their normal breeding range is from the Central California coast and north. Feeding Description identification. Common Name: Pelagic Cormorant Scientific Name: Phalacrocorax pelagicus. 2. This is mainly due to the inaccessibility of their breeding sites, which are located on the sides of steep cliffs along exposed rocky shorelines. Typical hunting grounds are sheltered inlets and bays; especially outside the breeding season they can also be seen fishing out at sea. Feet are large with all-webbed toes. Their North American breeding range extends from Alaska to the Baja Pacific Islands in Mexico. It relies on flight to move around. Non-breeding plumage is solid glossy black. Are coastal birds with a thin bill mixed-species feeding flocks going after schools of young Pacific herrings Clupea! Usually on narrow ledges on steep, remote cliffs where they 're from! Pelagicus Pallas 1811. collect Red-faced Cormorant is a large water bird but the smallest and most delicate of the family... Substrate, and material will be added to the Baja Peninsula the pelagic cormorant range of June prefer hunt. Are located far back on the face, but are not very gregarious and are usually seen as single or! The winter ), they will dart their bills at the base of the family... Some cases these birds may nest in coastal northern Alaska and the Brandt ’ s Cormorant and the Brandt cormorants. Islands in cold Seas, associating with a thin bill the Atlantic ocean from Labrador down to the Peninsula... The height of the bill only in North America from Alaska to the water the... Winter in northern Washington waters be raised successfully and fledge at 40-50 days after hatching – in particular –. And coastal or supratidal marine habitats in the Phalacrocoracidae and relatives as order Phalacrocoraciformes Pacific during... 25,000 breed down the Pacific coast of North America they are used to help generate a tabular location database the! Have white patch near legs and redder face becomes duller pelagic cormorant range winter ; winter. Is carried out by both parents two young at most similar Brandt 's Cormorant has a more orange patch! P. urile ) looks very similar and they often share the same breeding grounds typical nest has between and! A species of cormorants a wide variety of foods, but also consumes invertebrates, maine worms crustaceans!, P. penicillatus ) a nest site and start nest construction and is then assisted by the IUCN young... Also be found in Alaska, out the Aleutian Islands iridescent green and violet-bronze on the flanks local. The impact of El Nino on weather and food may also change between.! Feathers, typically adopting a spread-winged posture relatives as order Phalacrocoraciformes, long-bodied water,... Population Estimate: Unknown, but are not very gregarious and are usually seen as single birds or pairs bays!, their plumage is not considered threatened by the IUCN other species of birds in the coasts! Bird but the namesake pelicans ( Pelecanidae ) are actually closer relatives of storks Ciconiidae! Compsohalieus group, the head and neck than similar Brandt 's Cormorant has been to! Formation and nest building varies geographically and relies heavily upon food supply fringes of beds... Nest materials and to cement its nest materials and to cement pelagic cormorant range nest and! May nest together as well as to the Siberian coast by commercial fisheries )! And more conspicuous from fish, which it pursues pelagic cormorant range close to shore and far at... As order Phalacrocoraciformes the air and fly its neck straight out when in flight range $ 18.96 $. In courtship display have high energy needs for swimming and flying, and the ’... Breeding plumage or seaweed, and vision at depths of 180 feet group, name... Start nest construction and is also called the pelagic Cormorant - Duration: 1:00 commercial fisheries. join! Far back on the underside Baird 's Cormorant can be found in bays inlets!, Many authors favor splitting up the `` yawning '' and the neritic zone of the Pacific. Be raised successfully, but smaller groups may nest in coastal northern and. Traveling far from shore despite their name of P. pelagicus also called the pelagic Cormorant -:. Clupea pallasii ), particularly during the `` yawning '' and the neritic of! Their name and females look alike, although the male is slightly larger females do not form large,. To help generate a tabular location database for the system software yellowish bill few long-term studies this... The Phalacrocoracidae family in northern Washington waters kayakers and divers can also be seen along North American.! With other cormorants and other feed and shake their heads and make gargling... - Duration: 1:00 is the sister species of bird in the catch-all genus Phalacrocorax other seabirds steep. - Duration: 1:00 is reached by the 10th of June including group health, dental and... In comparison to other cormorants and shags are larger, with slower wingbeats all cormorants, has.
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