Wikipedia:Picture of the day/January 7, 2006

Picture of the day

Double-crested Cormorant

The Double-crested Cormorant is a North American member of the cormorant family of seabirds. Like all cormorants, it dives to find its prey, mainly fish, but also amphibians and crustaceans. This bird swims low in the water, often with just its neck and head visible, and dives from the surface. It uses its feet for propulsion and is able to dive to a depth of 1.5-7.5 m (5-25 feet) for 30-70 seconds.

After diving, these birds spend long periods standing with wings outstretched to allow them to dry, since they are not fully waterproofed.

Photo credit: Mdf
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