Double-crested Cormorant

Phalacrocorax auritus

Double-crested Cormorants are locally common transients and rare summer visitors in Missouri (Robbins and Easterla 1992). The increase in their numbers during migration and summer in recent years parallels an increase in breeding populations in the Great Lakes region (Cadman et al. 1987). No breeding was confirmed during the Atlas Project although breeding in the state has occurred in the past. According to Widmann (1907) the Double-crested Cormorant bred in considerable numbers in the extensive Mississippi Lowlands swamps during the 1800s. The most recent documented nesting was at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge where eight nests were photographed on June 23, 1956 ( Robbins and Easterla 1992).

Code Frequency

Double-crested Cormorants were recorded as possible breeders in five blocks. Because breeding confirmations are easily obtained for these large birds that nest in open situations, the absence of higher evidence suggests breeding did not occur in blocks during the Atlas Project.

Breeding Evidence

Reported in 5 (<1%) of 1,207 blocks

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