Nannopterum – American cormorants

The American cormorants, members of the genus Nannopterum, are a group of aquatic birds native to the Americas. Once included in the larger genus Phalacrocorax, recent studies have separated them into their own group based on DNA and physical characteristics. These birds are known for their slender, dark bodies, hooked beaks, and expert diving skills. They thrive near lakes, rivers, marshes, and coastlines, where they feed almost entirely on fish.

The double-crested cormorant is the most widespread of the group and can be found all over North America. It gets its name from the two small tufts of feathers on its head during the breeding season, though they’re easy to miss. These cormorants are often seen perched with their wings spread out to dry — a behavior that’s iconic among cormorants. After fishing, they need time to dry off in the sun or wind. The neotropic cormorant, smaller and slimmer, is found throughout Central and South America and the southern United States. It’s often seen perched on branches over water or flying low with its neck outstretched and legs trailing behind.

Perhaps the most unusual member of the genus is the flightless cormorant, found only on the Galápagos Islands. This species has small, useless wings and has completely lost the ability to fly — a rare trait among cormorants and birds in general. But what it lacks in flight, it makes up for in swimming ability. With strong legs and webbed feet, the flightless cormorant is a powerful underwater hunter, using its curved beak to grab fish, eels, and squid. It is one of the world’s best examples of island evolution, where animals adapt in unique ways to isolated environments.