About Urile penicillatus (J.F.Brandt, 1837)
Taxonomy
Brandt's cormorant has the scientific name Urile penicillatus (J.F.Brandt, 1837).
Size and Morphometrics
On average, this bird weighs 4.6 pounds, reaches around 34 inches in length, and has a 4-foot wingspan.
Breeding Season Plumage
During the breeding season, adult Brandt's cormorants develop a blue throat patch.
Distribution and Habitat
This species lives along the Pacific coast of North America, where it occupies habitats including bays, estuaries, and lagoons.
Nesting Site Preferences
Brandt's cormorants nest either on the ground or on rocky outcroppings.
Key Breeding Colony Location
Año Nuevo Island, located within Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, is an important seabird breeding colony that hosts Brandt's cormorants alongside other seabird species.
