BirdAnalyst
Species · North Carolina · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Double-crested Cormorant Population Trend in North Carolina

All statesWetland birds

Double-crested Cormorant in North Carolina has surged: up 147% on the route-weighted index since 1979.

+147%Since 1979
40Routes In State
45Years

Notable Double-crested Cormorant Trends in North Carolina

long arc increasecomputed index

Double-crested Cormorant has surged in North Carolina: up 147% on the route-weighted index since 1979.

Double-crested Cormorant Population Forecast in North Carolina

If the recent trend holds, Double-crested Cormorant in North Carolina is projected to rise about 414% by 2029 — from 0.06 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.29 (95% range 0.00–1.0). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±123.7%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+414%Change by 2029
0.29Projected 2029 index
0.00–1.095% range
±123.7%Backtest error
19702029
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected index95% low95% high
20250.290.001.0
20260.290.001.0
20270.290.001.0
20280.290.001.0
20290.290.001.0

Double-crested Cormorant Survey Routes in North Carolina

Routes recording Double-crested Cormorant in North Carolina.
Maple Hill2720232017
Washington1620212006
Hertford1220132013
Supply1120211994
Mashoes819821982
Kinston720161984
Sawmill620012001
Dortches520152015
Jarvisburg519991999
Merrimon420211979
Old Trap320172016
Myrtle Grove220241970
Speed220131992
Arcola220221982
Osmond220022002
Jamesville220151983
Waco220002000
Shallotte119901990
Wards Corner120162016
Broad Creek120222000
Rose120001997
Climax120182017
Mooresville119871987
Spring Hope120232005
California120131983

Double-crested Cormorant Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-05-22.