What kind of bird could this be?

Question

I saw a bird today at the lake, it is dark and has a beak that is orangish near its face. It dives for minnows and it swims under water. There were some of them on branches coming out of the water enjoying the sun, Not sure whether or not it had webbed feet or not. I didnt see any that were dry so I dont know about the colors but I think it is some kind of Heron but it was the size of a regular duck. I live in Kansas if that helps. Anyone know what it might be?

Answer 1

sounds like a Double-crested Cormorant

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Double-crested_Cormorant.html

Answer 2

I am from New Jersey, so I cannot help you with what bird it was but what I can do is give you this link. Fill in the information about the bird’s characteristic and this site will narrow your bird down to one or two choices. I use it all the time when I am stumped on what a bird was. I hope it is helpful to you, (O:

http://www.enature.com/fieldguides/search_advanced.asp?curGroupID=1

Answer 3

I agree..sounds like a Double-crested cormorant...they are fish eaters. They will often sit in the sun with wings outstretched to soak up the sun.

Answer 4

the best way to find out is go to my favorite website:

http://www.enature.com/home/

here's some birds in your area

http://www.enature.com/fieldguides/view_default.asp?rgn=TN_221A&allSpecies=y&source=zipGuides&fromWhere=zipGuides&email=[e-mail]&zipGuide=®ionZip=

good luck!