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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stuttgart, Arkansas » Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Cntr » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #186812
Title: MIGRATION PATTERNS OF DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS CAPTURED NEAR SOUTHEASTERN AQUACULTURE

Author
item KING, TOMMY - USDA-WS-NWRC
item STRICKLAND, BRONSON - USDA-WS-NWRC
item Radomski, Andrew

Submitted to: Waterbird Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/15/2005
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The number of Double-crested Cormorants wintering near aquaculture facilities in the southeastern United States has nearly tripled in the past 15 years. Cormorants come in conflict with aquaculture producers by taking advantage of these abundant and readily accessible food sources. Information about cormorant movements is needed to properly implement and monitor management activities. We developed a study to determine the spring and fall migration patterns of Double-crested Cormorants captured in the southeastern United States. To better understand the timing, routes, and duration of migration, we monitored 30 cormorants (18 adults, 12 immature) using satellite telemetry and recorded their movements for < 546 days. Twenty percent of these birds did not migrate and remained in the southeastern U.S. The average departure dates for spring and fall migration were 23 April and 1 October, respectively. The average daily movement of cormorants during spring migration was 43.5 miles. Mean daily distance traveled during migration did not differ between immature and adult cormorants. During migration these birds typically followed the Mississippi and Central Flyways.