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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stuttgart, Arkansas » Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Cntr » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #221869
Title: Winter and summer home ranges and core use areas of double-crested cormorants captured near aquaculture facilities in the southeastern United States

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

Submitted to: Journal of Great Lakes Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/13/2008
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The summer and winter movement patterns of Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) wintering in the southeastern United States are poorly understood. Movement data from 28 cormorants captured in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi and equipped with satellite transmitters were analyzed. Four (3 immature, 1 adult) cormorants did not migrate, therefore stayed in the southeastern United States throughout the year. During spring, cormorants captured in Alabama migrated east of the Mississippi River and primarily west of the Appalachian Mountains. Cormorants from Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi migrated north along the Mississippi River Valley, the Missouri River Valley, and/or the Ohio River Valley. The earliest departure for spring migration was March 26, whereas the latest departure was May 12. Adult cormorants departed for spring migration earlier than immature cormorants. The average departure date for fall migration was October 1st. The typical duration of spring migration was 12 days and cormorants traveled an average of 70 km per day.

Technical Abstract: Migration patterns of Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) wintering in the southeastern United States are poorly understood. Movement data was analyzed from 28 cormorants captured in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi and equipped with satellite transmitters. Four (3 immature, 1 adult) cormorants did not migrate and stayed in the southeastern United States throughout the year. During spring, cormorants captured in Alabama migrated east of the Mississippi River and primarily west of the Appalachian Mountains. Cormorants from Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi migrated north along the Mississippi River Valley, the Missouri River Valley, and/or the Ohio River Valley. The earliest departure for spring migration was 26 March, whereas the latest departure was 12 May. Adult cormorants departed for spring migration earlier than immature cormorants. The average departure date for fall migration was 1 October. Mean duration of spring migration was 12 days and cormorants traveled an average of 70 km per day.