I observed this unusal behavior at Woodlake Pond in Carrollton, Texas. This lone cormorant was holding its wings up in the air, only partially unfolded. In this position the the bird’s wings would catch the steadily blowing wind like the sail on a sail boat and push the bird backwards. An effect the cormorant had to make an effort to swim against.
This is another behavior I am not sure how best to explain. From all appearances he was doing this simply for the sport of it.
Observation Details
| County | – | Denton |
|
| City | – | Carrollton | |
| Date | – | Feb 16, 2013 | |
| Time of Day | – | Afternoon | |
| Temperature | – | Cool (50-69°F/10-21°C) | |
| Weather | – | Clear | |
| Habitat | – | Recreation-Park | |
| Type of Behavior | – | Playing | |
| Gender | – | Uncertain | |
| Maturity | – | Adult | |
| Observer | – | Chris Jackson | |
| Main Article | – | Double-crested Cormorant | Observation Location |
Chris, this one may be a Neotropical Cormorant. Note the duller, yellow brown gullar pouch and bill base, brownish bill, and most importantly, the white edging of the gullar area up to the eye. To differentiate these two birds requires close up view like this. They are most easily distinguished when in breeding condition. That is when the white edging of the gullar area shows up.
Non-breeding birds can be distinguished if both species are together (Neotropical smaller, narrower tail).