Neotropic Cormorant Neotropic Cormorant
Phalacrocorax brasilianus
photo © 1999 by David Sarkozi, Houston TX Anahuac NWR May 2, 19999

Last updated 8/19/96

Neotropic Cormorants are summer birds. There are a few around in the winter but you will have to look for them. In the winter they will be in the company of Double-crested Cormorants. They are easily spotted by their smaller size in a mixed flock.

In the summer when they become the most common cormorant on the coast look for the white border of feathers around the throat (gular) pouch. There may also be noticable white feathers on the throat. At least some birds keep the white border of feathers in the winter.

My impression is they always look slimmer than a double-crested cormorant. The bill is slimmer and the throat pouch is never a bright yellow.

Look for Neotropic Cormorants along the coast in Galveston Island State Park, Bolivar Flats Bird Sanctuary, and at the Southeast Oil Field Road pond in High Island

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