Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus ), Colorado River, 3 miles above Lees Ferry, Coconino County

These Neotropic Cormorants were first identified by Shaun Putz on 12 Sept 2010, but possibly present all summer according to casual observers.  They were photographed by Brian Gatlin on 18 September 2010.

This species has been expanding northward since the turn of the century.  This is the first record of Neotropic Cormorant for the Grand Canyon region, the Navajo Reservation, and Coconino County.  There are three records further north in Utah. 

A white border to the bare skin around the bill with a v-shaped point, along with shorter bill, smaller overall size, and longer tail separate Neotropic from the common Double-crested Cormorant.

18 September 2010, photos by Brian Gatlin