Cormorants

Red-faced Cormorant

Urile urile

A large, iridescent cormorant with a distinctive bright red face and blue throat pouch in breeding plumage. Found almost exclusively in Alaska and the Russian Far East, with the Aleutians and Pribilofs forming the core of its range. Closely associated with rocky sea cliffs where it nests alongside kittiwakes and murres.

Where to look

Rocky cliffs and sea stacks throughout the Aleutian chain; St. Paul and St. George Islands (Pribilofs). Often perches with wings spread to dry after diving.

Habitat

Rocky sea cliffs and coastal marine waters in the North Pacific and Bering Sea.

Diet

Fish, primarily small schooling species caught by pursuit-diving.

Natural history note

Red-faced Cormorants have a notably deep diving capacity and can pursue fish in waters exceeding 100 feet, using powerful webbed feet as underwater propellers.