Oct 16, 2020 · Cormorant eyes are otherworldly. As if colors from some faraway galaxy were transplanted into those orbs. The double eye catches enhance that feeling. Makes one wonder how they, and other avian species with irises of red (your Westen Grebe photos) or gold (Raptors and, of course, Goldeneyes) see the world.

Feb 7, 2023 · The Double-crested Cormorant’s bright pop of aqua is only one of the many scientific mysteries Corbett and his colleagues found as they dug into avian eyes while writing the paper, which he says he hopes inspires ornithologists and birders alike to consider species eye color more closely.

Cormorants and shags are medium-to-large seabirds. They range in size from the pygmy cormorant (Microcarbo pygmaeus), at as little as 45 cm (18 in) and 340 g (12 oz), to the flightless cormorant (Nannopterum harrisi), at a maximum size 100 cm (39 in) and 5 kg (11 lb).

Nov 24, 2016 · Cormorant are heavy birds and sit low in the water, with a wedge shaped angular looking head and heavy looking bill. They have striking green coloured eyes, pale feathering around the face with bare skin around the eyes.

May 16, 2023 · In contrast to their rather dull appearance and less than comely shape, the cormorants have some of the most stunning eye colours of the bird world. Starting with the brilliant green eyes of the largest cormorant in our region, commonly found in saltwater and freshwater habitats across southern Africa.

Nov 30, 2023 · These birds are relatively small in size with a dark greyish body and bright blue eyes which can be seen from far away distances. Their wingspan extends up to two feet wide allowing them to glide through air currents at rapid speeds while they hunt fish for food.

Jan 15, 2025 · Its dark plumage contrasts with its bright turquoise eyes. The flightless cormorant lives on rocky coasts and in mangrove swamps where it finds waters rich in fish, squid and crustaceans. It is an exceptional diver, capable of reaching significant depths to capture prey.

Cormorant eyes are striking green, surrounded by bare skin. When flying, they resemble a pterodactyl and are generally solo travellers. In contrast, shags are smaller birds with more slender bodies and a slimmer bill.

Mar 19, 2023 · When the light is coming from the right direction and a Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) is fairly close, you can catch a glimpse of the bird's stunning turquoise eyes. Yesterday I was fortunate to spot a cormorant perched on a concrete bar that sticks out of a retention pond in a nearby neighborhood.

The largest cormorant on the Pacific Coast, Brandt’s Cormorant is an expert diver that can swim deeper than 200 feet in pursuit of fish and shellfish. In addition to standard cormorant black, Brandt’s sports a vivid cobalt-blue throat patch and eyes during breeding season, along with wispy white feathers on the head.