Are double-crested cormorants protected in the U.S.?
Yes, double-crested cormorants are one of approximately 800 species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, and subsequent amendments. This act was first passed to implement the terms of a treaty between the U.S. and Canada for the protection of migratory birds. Excessive market hunting of migratory birds prompted this treaty, which was later followed by treaties with Mexico, Japan, and Russia. Double-crested cormorants were first protected in 1972 through an amendment to the Mexican treaty. Q. What do double-crested cormorants eat? They eat mainly fish. Adults eat an average of one pound per day, usually composed of small (less than 6 inch) bottom dwelling or schooling “forage” fish. They are opportunistic and generalist feeders, preying on many species of fish, but concentrating on those that are easiest to catch. Because the ease with which a fish can be caught depends on a number of factors (distribution, relative abundance, behavior, etc.), the composition of a corm
