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Posted by Mark Berney on 22:17:01 02/27/13
On Sun 24th Feb, I found that the one Neotropic Cormorant that has successfully nested at Wakodahatchee Wetlands now has three young in the nest (approx 1 wk old). This Neotropic Cormorant is paired with a cormorant which shows a few Neotropic-like features, but its size, more rounded gular angle, orange supraloral (somewhat restricted), scapular pattern and bluish mouth lining all point to Double-crested Cormorant. They started nest building on the first tree island near the 'T' in the boardwalk (SW pool) around 12th Jan (documented by Jon Greenlaw).
The attached photos are taken from different angles in different lighting conditions from the nearby boardwalk. The first shows the Neotropic Cormorant and the second shows the Double-crested Cormorant. The Neotropic is currently molting rectrices and remiges, and certainly appears more worn than in the pre-breeding plumage of early January. However, the white V edging around the gular area is still evident, if diminished. The nest is best viewed by turning right at the T intersection on the boardwalk and viewing from near the bench where the boardwalk turns east. The nest is towards the center of the tree, behind a distinctive Y shaped branch.
Up to three Neotropic Cormorants have been observed here since last Nov, however only the nesting individual has been observed here in the last 4-5 weeks. The other two are unaccounted for but may well be occupying other cormorant nesting sites in the SE. At least one of these is a male based on the wing-waving display observed last Dec.
Reports of nesting Neotropic Cormorants at this site in Dec and early Jan probably refer to a pair of small cormorants that showed an odd combination of features, some of which are Neotropic-like. However they also showed bluish mouth linings, rounded scapulars and white plumes on the crown in a pattern similar to Double-crested Cormorants. These are very intriguing individuals and may be a product of past hybridization. On Sun 24th Feb, one was still sitting tight on the nest which is located low, towards the middle of the tree island nearest the boardwalk in the NW pool.
Mark Berney
Fort Lauderdale, FL.
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