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Aves - Neognathae - Pelecaniformes - Phalacrocoracidae - Phalacrocorax - Phalacrocorax pelagicus

Sternum (Breast Bone) of a Phalacrocorax pelagicus (Pelagic Cormorant)

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Species Description
The Pelagic Cormorant lives in the North Pacific, wintering the open ocean and breeding along the coasts; its North American range extends from Alaska south to Baja Mexico. If the nesting site is still acceptable, Pelagic Cormorants will return to it repeatedly, with successive rebuilds resulting in nests up to five feet deep. It is a foot-propelled pursuit diver, using its wings to steer; the Pelagic Cormorant can dive as deep as 30m to reach the small, bottom-dwelling, non-schooling fish that comprise its typical diet. Unlike many seabirds, its plumage is not waterproof, necessitating preening and drying of feathers after dives.
Skeletal Elements Available

Sternum (Breast Bone)

Left Humerus (Left Upper Arm Bone)

External Links
Animal Diversity Web Encyclopedia of Life Wikipedia Pelagic Cormorant Page