Double-crested Cormorant

Description:

Large water bird with black wings and lower body. Neck and head was darker brown. I had a tough time with the ID. One major factor for my determination was the habitat where I found him and the details from my Sibley field guide. It shows a greater possibility to inhabit this area year round. The Great Cormorant was described to be rare in this area. Still possible though. Let me know if you have some different ideas.

Habitat:

Common on clear open water from ponds and rivers to open ocean.

Notes:

I think this one is a juvenile. I picked the Double-crested over a Great Cormorant because the my guides range description, pale neck and belly. Also, It seemed that the juvenile Great Cormorant has a white belly.