MDI Birds
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    Double-crested Cormorant / Phalacrocorax auratus

    : Breeds. to late May-early Sep. Breeds late Apr-late Jul on a number of small rocky islands and ledges in the outer parts of Frenchman Bay and Blue Hill Bay. A colony on Egg Rock just southeast of Bar Harbor is visible from most Bar Harbor whale watch and puffin cruises.

    : to migrant mid Apr-mid May (est.) with a late Apr peak and from late Mar, and mid Sept-mid Nov with a mid/late Oct peak and to mid Dec. Schoodic Point is the best observation point with maximum daily mid-late Oct totals in the low thousands.

    : No confirmed records late Dec-mid Mar.

    Miscellany: The ‘crests' on Double-crested Cormorant, narrow lines of black (southeastern US) or mostly white (northern and western US) feathers above and behind adult eyes for a short time in spring, are barely detectable.

    You can learn more about Double-crested Cormorants and see images here.

    Last Reviewed: June 3rd, 2026

    Locations

    1. 1. Schoodic Point 44.332627, -68.059814
    2. 2. Egg Rock 44.353767, -68.138588