Double-crested Cormorant Tossing a Shad

Double-crested Cormorant Tossing a Shad

by

At Robert S. Kerr Reservoir near Sallisaw, Oklahoma, a Double-crested Cormorant positioned a shad for swallowing. It had to act fast to get the fish into the right position before swallowing—likely to avoid losing it to the gulls flying above. Within seconds, the cormorant flipped the shad in the air, expertly adjusting its grip before tilting its head back to swallow it whole. This moment showcases how these birds handle their prey with precision.

Double-crested Cormorant Tossing a Shad
A Double-crested Cormorant flips a shad into position before swallowing, ensuring it’s head-first to avoid the fish’s spiny fins.
Double-crested Cormorant Adjusting Its Grip on a Shad
The cormorant carefully repositions the shad mid-air, preparing for a quick and efficient swallow before any gulls can steal its meal.
Double-crested Cormorant Swallowing the Catch
With expert precision, the cormorant tilts its head back and swallows the shad whole, showcasing its remarkable fishing skills.

How I Got the Shot

I was near the dam on the southeast side, sitting among the large rocks at the water’s edge. The air was calm with a light breeze, and the occasional call of gulls echoed overhead as they waited for an opportunity to snatch an easy meal. My tripod kept the camera steady as I tracked the cormorant’s movements.

Gear and Settings

Gear Used:

  • Camera: Canon EOS-1D Mark III
  • Lens: Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM

Camera Settings:

  • Mode: Aperture Priority (AV)
  • Aperture: f/5.6
  • ISO: 640
  • Shutter Speed: 1/2000 sec
  • Focal Length: 500mm

Observing Cormorants

Cormorants are expert fishers, diving deep underwater with powerful strokes to chase down their prey. They use their sharp beaks to grasp slippery fish, surfacing quickly to reposition their catch before swallowing it whole. Their hunting techniques are always fascinating to watch. This series highlights how they manipulate their catch to swallow it head-first—a necessity to avoid choking on the fish’s spiny fins.

Have you observed cormorants in action? What behaviors have you noticed while they hunt or interact with other birds? Share your experiences in the comments.