BRANDT'S CORMORANT SINKS AT SEA

Abstract

Cormorants' limited degree of plumage waterproofing, the spread-winged posture attributed to the need to dry their feathers, their need to rest and roost out of the water, and their nearshore foraging distribution have been commented upon by many (e.g., Schneider and Hunt 1984; Boekelheide et al. 1990; Siegel-Causey and Litvinenko 1993). I am unaware of descriptions of consequences for cormorants should they be unable to leave the water before reaching saturation.