Cormorants

Pelagic Cormorant

Urile pelagicus

The smallest and most slender North American cormorant, with iridescent green-purple plumage and tiny red facial skin. A common year-round resident nesting on Kodiak's sea cliffs.

Where to look

Rocky headlands at Cape Chiniak, Fort Abercrombie cliffs, and nearshore waters throughout Kodiak Island.

Habitat

Rocky coastal areas and sea cliffs year-round.

Diet

Fish, crustaceans, and marine invertebrates.

Natural history note

Pelagic Cormorants have waterlogged feathers (unlike most waterbirds) which helps them dive deeper and swim faster underwater.