Wondering what a cormorant is? If you’re lucky enough to get out on the lake in a boat this summer, you’ll likely see these birds lurking around the Breakwater Lighthouse. As your boat passes by, the birds stare and project a defensive, territorial energy. There are two types of cormorants that can be found in Milwaukee. The Double-crested cormorant is common, while the Neotropic cormorant is quite rare. Neotropic cormorants are black; Double-crested cormorants are grey, but both have brilliant turquoise eyes. They are migratory birds, meaning they are only here in the north for the summer season. They primarily eat fish by swimming underwater. Their streamlined bodies make them fabulous swimmers.

The picture above features a Neotropic cormorant. One fascinating fact about cormorants is that they don’t have oil on their feathers like most other birds. This allows them to get their feathers fully soaked so they are less buoyant when diving underwater. We named our restaurant after this interesting bird because many ancient cultures regarded them as good luck omens and wise spirits. Cormorants are connected with abundance, endurance, and transition, which are values we share.

Read more about this bird’s presence in Milwaukee.