double-crested cormorant
C2Technical/Biological/Ornithological
Definition
Meaning
A medium-to-large waterbird (Phalacrocorax auritus) native to North America, characterized by its dark plumage, webbed feet, and distinctive tufts or crests of feathers on its head during the breeding season.
A piscivorous (fish-eating) seabird often seen perched with wings spread wide to dry them. It is a species of cormorant often associated with coastal waters, estuaries, and inland lakes, and is sometimes considered a symbol of overfishing or ecological imbalance due to its high fish consumption.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is a compound noun referring specifically to one species. It is primarily used in biological, ecological, and birdwatching contexts. It may be abbreviated to 'cormorant' in general conversation, but 'double-crested' specifies the North American species.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The species is native to North America, so the term is far more common in North American English (especially US and Canada). In British English, it would be recognized primarily by birdwatchers and ornithologists as a specific North American species, distinct from the more familiar 'great cormorant' (Phalacrocorax carbo) found in the UK.
Connotations
In North America, it may have negative connotations among fishermen who view it as a competitor. In the UK, it is a more neutral, exotic species.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general British English; low-to-medium frequency in relevant North American contexts (e.g., coastal communities, environmental news).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [double-crested cormorant] [verb: nests, dives, feeds].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. It is a species name.]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in industries like commercial fishing, aquaculture (where it may be discussed as a pest), or wildlife tourism.
Academic
Common in biology, ecology, ornithology, and environmental science papers.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used by birdwatchers or in specific geographic areas near its habitats.
Technical
Standard term in field guides, conservation reports, and zoological texts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The birds were cormoranting along the estuary.
- [Note: 'to cormorant' as a verb is exceptionally rare and non-standard in both dialects.]
American English
- We spent the afternoon cormorant-watching on the pier.
- [Note: Used as a noun in compound adjectives.]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use.]
adjective
British English
- A double-crested cormorant colony has been established on the reservoir.
- The double-crested cormorant population is being monitored.
American English
- We saw double-crested cormorant nests in the dead trees.
- A double-crested cormorant management plan was proposed.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I saw a big black bird by the lake. It was a cormorant.
- The double-crested cormorant is a bird that eats fish and lives near water.
- During our boat trip, we observed several double-crested cormorants drying their wings on the posts.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a bird with TWO (double) fancy feather hairdos (crests) on its head, CORMORANTly diving for fish.
Conceptual Metaphor
A living fishing net / A dark sentinel of the waters.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate 'double-crested' literally as 'двугребенный' – the established zoological term is 'двурогий баклан' (two-horned cormorant).
- Avoid confusing it with the more general Russian word for cormorant, 'баклан', which could refer to several species.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'double-crested cormorant' or 'double crested cormorant'. The standard orthography uses hyphens: 'double-crested'.
- Using it as a general term for any cormorant species outside North America.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'double-crested cormorant' MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'double-crested cormorant' refers specifically to the species Phalacrocorax auritus, native to North America. 'Cormorant' is a general name for birds in the family Phalacrocoracidae, which includes many species worldwide.
They spread their wings to dry them. Unlike most waterbirds, their feathers are not completely waterproof, which helps them dive deeper and swim more efficiently. They must dry their wings afterwards to fly effectively.
No, they are currently listed as a species of 'Least Concern' by the IUCN. Their populations have recovered significantly since the mid-20th century after the ban on DDT and are now widespread and common.
They are found near freshwater lakes, rivers, coastal areas, and estuaries throughout most of North America. Look for them perched on rocks, posts, or trees near water, often with wings outstretched.