Phalacrocorax urile (Gmelin, 1789)

Nomenclature

This species has the scientific name Phalacrocorax urile (Gmelin, 1789), commonly called the red-faced cormorant.

Non-breeding Plumage

Adult red-faced cormorants have glossy, deep greenish-blue plumage, which turns purplish or bronze on the back and sides.

Breeding Ornamentation

When in breeding condition, individuals develop a double crest, white plumes on the flanks, neck, and rump, and bright orange or red bare facial skin on the lores and around the eyes — this colored facial skin is the source of the species' common name.

Species Identification Trait

While this facial skin color is less vivid outside of the breeding season, it is still distinct enough to separate the red-faced cormorant from the otherwise similar pelagic cormorant.

Limb Coloration

The legs and feet of this species are brownish black.

Wing Measurements

Wing extent ranges from 25 to 29 cm (9.8 to 11.4 in), and females have average wing lengths about 5 cm (2.0 in) shorter than males.

Weight Measurements

Adult weights fall between 1.5 and 2.3 kg (3.3 and 5.1 lb), with females averaging 350 g (12 oz) lighter than males.

Diet

Analysis of stomach contents indicates the red-faced cormorant is primarily a bottom feeder, and particularly feeds on cottids.

Adult Predators

Adult red-faced cormorants have few predators, though river otters, various corvids, bald eagles, and golden eagles may attempt to prey on them.

Egg and Chick Predators

Gulls and corvids are common predators of this species' eggs and chicks.