THE Neotropic Cormorant

[Glenn Walbek]

Folks,

I and many others observed the previously reported Neotropic Cormorant during the course of the day. The bird is significantly smaller than the many, nearby DCCOs. Careful examination in the field, coupled with photographic evidence show a bird with a smaller, narrower bill, longer tail, rounder head and thinner neck than those DCCOs. The cincher is the gape and lores. This smallish, fish eater has no yellow above the bill, dark lores and a pointed gape, edged in white. These features would be difficult for a DCCO to sport!

Glenn Walbek

Castle Rock, CO

[George Miller]

Seen where?