Adult: Black with orange throat pouch. Don't depend upon seeing the "double-crests". They are difficult-to-spot and are present only during breeding. Neck appears crooked when the bird flies.

Immature: For the first three years, the juvenile is dark brown with a pale throat and belly. Orange throat patch.

Habitat: Inshore waters. rocky shores. Cypress swamps. Ocean coasts.

A Florida resident.

Text by Mary Jean Rogers, West Volusia Audubon.