Facts About the Florida Cormorant

The cormorant is a legendary bird, for since prehistoric times, the cormorant has evolved into a sea bird that prefers freshwater fish. The cormorant is easily spotted in Florida's ponds and freshwater lakes, on the Indian River Lagoon and smaller versions near the sea. I have seen them on the Indian River and across the street from my residence, where there is a pond.

The cormorant has been labeled as a nuisance bird, though it really is a witty species, that should be appreciated for its fishing skill, not denigrated to bothersome pest of all fishermen. They can go after a fisherman's bait, and I have seen it happen at the Indian River. It is quite comical. Their ability to dive down and be sneaky, thus the term troublesome, gives them an advantage for "stealing," but they tend to stay at a distance as well. They are often spotted floating along the water's surface, and disappear just as quickly. They are also getting a bad rap, and some birds are being killed. In Florida, there are more pursuant birds that walk right up to the fishermen demanding their bait fish, including the pelican, great egret, crane and seagull, though these birds are also not responsible for any sport or fish declines.

Unlike the human species that often hunts for sport, the Florida cormorant can dive down far into the water, thus making it a great hunter of fish as a food source. They swallow the fish whole down into their throats, so it is hard for the fish to get away, thus the quick cormorant is often successful with every dive for food.

In Asia, the cormorants were used by fishermen to catch fish. They would tie a string around the bird's neck, so the fish swallowed would not go into the stomach, but back out of their mouths, into the boats after they surfaced. It is an amazing technique, and has been well-documented in various mediums. To westerners, this form of fishing may sound odd, but wild birds have been used for centuries for various tasks, including passing along messages.

The cormorant is often mistaken for other types of birds, because of the way they position themselves in the marsh areas and fresh-water lakes. They look like oily, black ducks, but their wings are not waterproof, which gives them more speed when under the water. When they are done hunting, they are often perched under the hot Florida sun drying their wings.

At the exact moment, when one spots a Florida cormorant, they look like their prehistoric ancestors, and it is quite something to watch these birds in the natural Florida habitat, under trees with Spanish moss or old palm scales. Their wings are shaped almost like a bats, and they hold that outstretched position effortlessly.

The cormorants are a naturally patient creature when it comes to allowing their wings to dry, but appear hyper when in the water. They have a snake-like neck, and a head that resembles a duck. They are often mistaken for ducks when on the surface, until they dive under the water, often reappearing further away. Sometimes they are mistaken for turtles.

It is no wonder their wings take time to dry, considering that when they are submerged in water they go down deep, and saturate every inch of their feathers. When in the deeper areas, such as the Indian River Lagoon, their wings may also become covered with underwater plant-life, and floating seaweed or tree palms, which the cormorant can shake off easily with its agile speed, and ability to twist around. They are like penguins in this respect. I think the Florida Cormorant is an under-rated bird, and should be considered one of Florida's most interesting species.

Sources:
http://www.audubon.org
http://marinesciencecenter.com/