Yesterday, I shared photos of “A Bald Eagle’s Successful Catch” that I took at Charleston Lake in Charleston, Arkansas. In that post, I mentioned I was also watching and photographing a Double-crested Cormorant. Today’s image shows that same bird surfacing with a fish, a clear example of Double-crested Cormorant fishing behavior in action.
I photographed this bird just after sunrise as it brought its catch up from below the surface. Moments like this offer a good look at how efficient these birds are when hunting fish.
Where I Photograph Double-crested Cormorant Fishing
To photograph Double-crested Cormorant fishing at Charleston Lake, I usually park my truck parallel to the lake near the dam. Most of the activity happens in that area. I arrive a few minutes before sunrise and wait for the birds to move in shortly after first light.
The cormorants often circle above the lake before landing. This behavior appears to be a safety check before settling on the water. Once they land, they swim toward the dam and begin diving repeatedly as they hunt.
Double-crested Cormorant Fishing Techniques Underwater
Double-crested Cormorant fishing relies on a combination of strong diving ability, underwater vision, and body design.
- Deep diving ability: Double-crested Cormorants can dive over 100 feet and remain underwater for up to two or three minutes. Their powerful webbed feet provide propulsion rather than their wings.
- Streamlined body shape: Their narrow bodies reduce resistance underwater, allowing them to chase fish efficiently.
- Underwater vision: These birds have excellent eyesight adapted for underwater hunting, even in low light conditions.
Catching and Swallowing the Fish
Once a fish is caught, the handling process is quick and precise.
- Hooked bill: The sharp, hooked tip of the bill helps secure slippery fish.
- Flexible throat: Their expandable throat allows them to maneuver and swallow fish headfirst.
- Underwater control: Cormorants twist and turn underwater to reposition prey before surfacing.
Adaptations That Support Cormorant Fishing
Several physical adaptations make Double-crested Cormorant fishing especially effective, a topic well documented by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in their species overview of the Double-crested Cormorant.
- Feather structure: Their feathers absorb water more than most waterbirds, reducing buoyancy and improving diving control. After fishing, they often perch with wings spread to dry.
- Nictitating membrane: This clear membrane protects their eyes underwater while maintaining vision.
Together, these traits make Double-crested Cormorants efficient underwater predators capable of hunting a wide range of fish species.
Image Information
- Date: 12/12/23
- Time: 09:15 AM
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 100–500mm F4.5–7.1 L IS USM
- ISO: 1600
- Aperture: f/7.1
- Shutter Speed: 1/2500
- Exposure Compensation: -1.0
- Focal Length: 500mm