double-crested cormorant
A specific bird species (Phalacrocorax auritus). Typically written in katakana as ミミヒメウ.
The double-crested cormorant is a waterbird that lives in North America.
Katakana spelling is standard for this bird name; the kanji form 耳姫鵜 is rarely used.
Rarely used kanji form; learners will almost always encounter the katakana spelling.
The Japanese name ミミヒメウ literally means 'ear princess cormorant', likely referring to the ear-like tufts during breeding season. The exact derivation is uncertain.