Flightless cormorant

Nannopterum harrisi

EndemicWater and landVulnerable

The flightless cormorant is the only cormorant in the world that has lost the ability to fly, with stunted wings and strong legs for diving. It is endemic to the Galápagos, restricted to the coasts of Fernandina and Isabela islands. The most recent count estimated around 2,085 individuals.

Best time to see it

Breeds mainly in the cool season when the productive Cromwell Current boosts food supply around Fernandina and Isabela.

Where to see it

Albemarle Point
Isabela · Likely sighting
Cerro Tijeretas
San Cristóbal · Likely sighting
Elizabeth Bay
Isabela · Likely sighting
Punta Espinoza
Fernandina · Common sighting
Punta Mangle
Fernandina · Likely sighting
Tagus Cove
Isabela · Likely sighting
Urbina Bay
Isabela · Likely sighting

Cruises to see this species

Born of FireVisits 5 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
"B" itineraryVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary DVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
"F" itineraryVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
6-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary BVisits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
Northern + Southern Islands (A)Visits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
A NORTHVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
B - West Expedition 5 days - 4 nightsVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
B - West Expedition 5 days - 4 nightsVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Epic Galápagos Expedition Northwest & Southern LoopVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary AVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
7-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary AVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
7-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary AVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary BVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary BVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
6-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary BVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
6-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary BVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary B 6 daysVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
6-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary CVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
7-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary C 7d/6n Western Islands.Visits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
7-day expedition · Galápagos
MONSERRAT GALAPAGOS CRUISE ITINERARY B - 5 DaysVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
A5 NORTHVisits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary BVisits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
6-day expedition · Galápagos