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Posted by Cameron Cox on 21:14:41 02/04/12
In Reply to: Re: Neotropic Cormorant ? at Wakodahatchee posted by Bill Pranty
The identification of the adult is without question, however I think Bill asks a very interesting question. The overall size of the nestling, the size of the bill, and the rounded gular pouch makes me wonder if the other adult is a Double-crested. Fledgling DCCO get yellow above the gape, directly in front of the eye very early on. See these photos:
http://www.nps.gov/features/yell/slidefile/birds/cormorants/Page.htm
The nestling lacks the yellow in front of the eye, consistent with a Neotropic Cormorant. As far as I can tell there is only one record of hybridization between Double-crested X Neotropic Cormorants. A mixed nest found at Salt Plains NWR in Oklahoma. If the nestling turns out to be a hybrid it will be significantly more interesting than the 7th record and first nesting record of NECO for Florida.
Cameron Cox
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