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Posted by Rock Jetty on 19:41:52 02/06/12
In Reply to: 2010 historical notes on neo-tropical cormorant posted by Paul-the-other
Well, it's really no mystery. Wakodahatchee Neotropic Cormorants (NECO) are an exciting find. However, the range of NECOs has been expanding over the years, as well as that of Double-crested Cormorants. So...it was sort of predictable...in my opinion.
They are not easily distinguishable to those not in the "trade" (researchers or birders). However, a keen eye could pick them out. I wouldn't be surprised if more of them start showing up...that is, people will start picking them out when they know what to look for.
What is, in my opinion again, more interesting, is the possible mating occurring between both species. There is a fairly recent article published in North American Birds by Arteburn and Shepperd: A Double-Crested Cormorant × Neotropic Cormorant Hybrid in Oklahoma. VOLUME 63 (2009) NUMBER 2. This article may prove helpful in determining if the immature bird in Wako is indeed a hybrid NECO x DCCO.
Good birding.
-RJ
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