A few weeks ago, I was in northern Ontario visiting my family when we spotted an interesting, albeit unwelcome, bird flying around the lake. As you may have guessed from the title of today’s fact, it was indeed the Double-Crested Cormorant. So why is this unique bird unwelcome in northern Ontario? Well, this area is loaded with die-hard fishermen and as such, we are not big fans of animals, such as the Cormorant, that can jeopardize the fish populations of our favourite fishing holes. In the past, this was never a concern as the use of DDT almost all but wiped out the Double-Crested Cormorant (and many over birds). However, in recent years, humans have stopped using the deadly chemical and this fish-eating bird has rebounded remarkably…much to the dismay of local fishermen.
The Pre-Historic Bird
If you take a quick look at the Double-Crested Cormorant, you might think that this dark black bird has a sort of dinosaur-esque look to it. Perhaps it is the small head and the long neck of this large waterbird that gives it their prehistoric look. If these birds actually descend from the dinosaurs, then I am guessing they came from one that loved to swim. The sturdy, heavy body of the the Double-Crested Cormorant allows this bird to dive down and capture small fish. Although, playing in the water all day does have its consequences. For humans, we end up looking like a prune, however, for the Cormorant they have to bask in the sun for awhile and dry off before they are able to take flight. This definitely leaves them susceptible to deadly predators but I guess it is a small price to pay for tasty fish and a nice long swim.
Whatever It Takes
Between the months of April and August, the Double-Crested Cormorant will be on full lookout for a potential mate. These monogamous birds will gather into a colony, which during peak times could have as many as 3000 pairs of breeding birds. The males are known to perform a simple but effective dance to capture the attention of their special someone. Usually, they will just stand on their nesting perch and wave their wings as to inform the female passerby’s that he is ready and available. If this technique isn’t enough, the males will take to the water where they perform a wonderful dance routine before they present useful nesting material to the object of there affection. It never stops amazing me what guys will go through just to get the name and number of a pretty bird.
