Habitat:
Rocky coasts, cliffs, marine islands

Activity period :
Primarily active during the day, with peak activity in the morning and late afternoon.

Identification and description:
The Red-faced Cormorant, or Urile urile, is a sleek seabird with glossy dark green plumage, a bluish neck, a yellowish bill, and striking red facial skin in adults. Breeding birds also show white patches on the sides of the rump. Juveniles are duller but often show a pale pink base to the bill. Found along rocky coastlines from Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula through the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands to Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, Kuril Islands, and northern Japan (Hokkaido). It breeds in colonies on steep cliffs and feeds on fish caught while diving. The population is stable but vulnerable to coastal habitat disturbances.

Recommended lens:
400mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.

Photography tips:
To photograph the Red-faced Cormorant, choose sunny mornings when the light highlights the iridescent sheen of its plumage. Use a telephoto lens of at least 400mm to capture precise details without disturbing the bird. Cliffs and rocky coasts are ideal places to observe it. Be patient and discreet to avoid disturbing its natural behavior. Taking burst shots can be useful to capture the moment it dives or takes off.