Learn 100 Common Valley Birds Blog Post Species #77/100

Few things on earth fill us with as much delight as birds, and knowing them by name only adds to our pleasure. In California’s Central Valley, with only a little bit of effort, anyone can learn 100 local bird species. Especially since on a daily basis Valley Residents come in contact with at least a dozen species that most recognize, but may not know the name of. The intent of this blog is for followers to learn about and be able to identify 100 common valley birds.
Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain

WHAT’S IN A NAME

Double-crested Cormorant – Nannopterum auritus
Name Roots: (Gr. nannos  dwarf; pteron  wing; – auritus, “eared”)

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The Double-crested Cormorant has a dark body with orange bare skin at the base of the bill. While breeding adults are all black, immatures and nonbreeders have a paler breast.

AN INTERESTING OR UNUSUAL FACT

Unlike most water birds, the feathers of the Double-crested Cormorant are not waterproof. After spending time in the water, they must dry their wings.

DISTRIBUTION STATUS IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY

The Double-crested Cormorant is a Common Yearround Resident in California’s Central Valley and can be found in Freshwater Wetlands and Open Water.

eBird Bar Charts & Map Grid

Previous Learn 100 Common Valley Birds Posts

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

ABOUT THE SITE

With a primary focus on birds, each blog series has it’s own unique look at the wildlife and wild places encountered at different locations that I have visited around the world.

ABOUT ME

I earned my college degree in biology, a foundation that shaped not only how I see the world, but how I’ve spent my life sharing it with others. For more than 40 years, I taught and led in public education, helping students discover the wonder woven into every corner of the natural world. That same drive has carried me through decades of citizen science and conservation work. As an active member of the Modesto Camera Club, I’ve developed a photographic practice that blends natural history with visual artistry, and my award‑winning images have been featured across the Internet on dozens of sites and field‑oriented platforms. This blog brings together my passions for birding, conservation, and storytelling.

~ Jim Gain