A true example of evolution is seen in the Galapagos Islands with the Flightless Cormorant. This Cormorant is the only one in the world that has lost its ability to fly. The Flightless Cormorant is endemic to the Galapagos Islands, found only on Fernandina and Isabela Islands. With their brilliant turquoise colored eyes, these birds have adapted well to their environment.
Over time, the Cormorants have become diving birds having less needs for flight for food. With webbed feet and similar to a duck, these birds dive for fish, eels and other small ocean creatures.
Even though they are diving birds, their feathers are not waterproof and they can be seen drying their little wings in the sun after a dip in the water.
Even though these birds have developed in an environment free of predators, the introduction of man on the islands along with dogs, cats and pigs have reduced their population over the centuries. Efforts to remove these predators from Isabela and Fernandina are on going. Current populations on the islands are around 2,000.
The Flightless Cormorant is considered to be one of the world’s rarest birds due to its low numbers and living exclusively in Galapagos. Truly a beautiful and unique sight to behold.
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Gorgeous photos and super interesting background. I knew nothing of the Galapagos Flightless Cormorant, thanks!
Thank you so much Lara. I’m thrilled that I was able to share this Cormorant with you. They are truly special creatures. Appreciate your visit and comment.
Great photos! These birds are a prime example that we need to set aside special places on this world as some species can only live in one part of it.
The world has and will benefit from the natural world on the Galapagos. If only this would spread more throughout the world.
These are really terrific! The cormorant in the last photo must have had a full belly to ignore the lizard.
What’s amazing at that location is that there were Sea lions, Marine Iguanas, Cormorants, Lava Lizards and sandpipers all in the same place living in harmony. I had missed the Galapagos Hawk – the only predator that eats small iguanas. Wish you could have seen in. It was an incredible sight and experience.
Fantastic images Em
Thanks Mark!
Great captures, Emily. What a unique bird. I’m so happy that they’re being protected. 🙂
Me too ! The fact that the islands are now a National Park and well protected really makes me happy.
I never heard of this cormorant. Very interesting that it cannot fly, they certainly need the protection. I love that last photo. It really shows the character of the bird.
I absolutely agree with your insight. There is something about these cute guys that caught my heart.
Exciting & fantastic captures!
Thank you so much Donna!
They don’t have much in the way of wings, do they?
They have no wings at all. Just feathers pretending to be wings. Totally bizarre.
You’re definitely helping us to learn about the importance of such special places on earth!
I like the photos – especially the last one with the little lizard at the bottom of the photo – and how you’ve captured these interesting birds. They look so similar to the Cormorants we see around the Midwest and yet it’s crazy to see how being flightless has affected the overall structure of their wings. Honestly they’re pretty puny and scrawny – no offense guys – but how could we expect any more?
I appreciate too how you’ve shown us them in varying activities. Oh and that water…gosh…it’s raining right now, very different form of what from your prestige image… 😉