Flightless Cormorant

The Flightless Cormorant is the only cormorant species in the world that has lost the ability to fly, found solely along the rocky shores of the western Galapagos Islands. Its wings are drastically reduced to roughly a third the size needed for flight, with degenerated flight feathers, while its body has become larger and its legs stronger for powerful underwater swimming. Adults have blackish-brown plumage, a long hooked bill, and striking turquoise eyes.

With no native land predators to escape, the species evolved to devote all its energy to diving for food rather than flight, making it a classic example of island evolution.

Key field marks

• Tiny, stubby wings held loosely away from the body
• Large, heavy-bodied build with strong legs and big webbed feet
• Dark brownish-black plumage with a coppery sheen
• Bright turquoise eye

Similar species

• No other cormorant shares its range in the Galapagos, and its inability to fly combined with its reduced wings make it unmistakable.
• Superficially resembles other cormorants at rest, but the tiny, frayed-looking wings are diagnostic.

Habitat

Restricted to rocky coastal shorelines with cold, food-rich waters, rarely venturing far from the shoreline.

Range

Endemic to the western coasts of Isabela and Fernandina Islands in the Galapagos archipelago.

Migration

Non-migratory and highly sedentary, with individuals typically remaining within a very small home range for life.

Behavior

Spends most of its time resting on shoreline rocks or swimming and diving just offshore, using only its powerful legs and feet for underwater propulsion since its wings cannot support flight.

Voice

Gives low grunts and hisses, particularly during courtship and at the nest.

Feeding

Dives to the seafloor to catch fish, octopus, and eels among rocks and kelp.

Nesting

Nests in small colonies on bare rocky ground near the shore, building a nest of seaweed and marine debris; typically lays 2-3 eggs, though usually only one chick survives.