Double Crested Cormorant Project

The Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) is a piscivorous bird native to North America. It is an extremely efficient predator and is often referred to as “murder on wings”. These birds have experienced exponential population growth in South Carolina and throughout the Southeast in the past few decades. The Double-crested, which is the focus of our study, is the most abundant of five species of cormorant in the lower 48 states (Hanisch et al. 2003). Predominantly a migratory species, there is mounting evidence that the cormorant is becoming sedentary throughout much of its southern range. This is cause for concern due to the fact that the expanding numbers of birds has led to increased human/cormorant conflict over resources such as recreational fisheries and aquaculture. There is also perceived damage to other natural resources such as colonial wetland birds and vegetation. The true extent of the damage brought about by cormorants is thought to be significant, but is poorly documented. The purpose of this website is to keep stakeholders and other researchers/contributors informed  of our progress. Check back frequently to see new updates, pictures, or findings. 

Graduate Research Assistant: Adam Kelley

Principal Investigator : Dr. Greg Yarrow

Contact : Clemson.Cormorant.Project@gmail.com

Page maintained by: Candace Cummings, ccmmngs@clemson.edu