164 TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS — STEGAXOPODES. 



large and heavj'- as are the parent birds ; but it is not until the beginning of its second 

 year that it has the bright plumage and metallic gloss of the adult, wearing during 

 the first year a dull drab-brown coat, with the brilliant colors of the base of the bill 

 and gular sac subdued. 



The Eed-faced Cormorant is said to be a very bold and inquisitive bird, uttering 

 no sound whatever, except when flying over and around a boat or ship — objects which 

 seem to have a magnetic power of attraction for this bird. When it is hovering and 

 circling around in this way, it is occasionally heard to utter a low droning croak. 

 This cannot be called a bird of graceful action, either on the Aving or on the shore. 

 Its flight is performed by means of a quick beating of the usually more or less ragged 

 wings, the neck and head being stretched out horizontally to their full length. This 

 is an exceedingly inquisitive bird ; as it flies around a boat or ship again and again 

 in order to satisfy its curiosity, but never alights, although sometimes coming close 

 enough to them to be touched by the hand. In the brilliancy and beauty of its plum- 

 age this species cannot be si^rj^assed, or even equalled, by any bird found in the 

 Behring Sea. It fairly shimmers, when in the suidight, with deep bronze and jDurple 

 reflections as though clothed in steel armor. In its stomach are found invariably, 

 together with the remains of small fish, a coil of worms (Nematoda). 



As, however severe the weather may be, this Eed-faced Cormorant may be seen 

 during the whole winter perched on the sheltered bluffs, the natives regard it with 

 a species of affection, since it furnishes the only source of supply which they can 

 draw upon at that season for fresh meat, soups, and stews, always wanted by the sick ; 

 and were these Cormorants sought after throughout the year as they are during the 

 short spell of intensely bitter weather that occurs in severe winters, when the other 

 Water Fowl are driven away, this species would be certainly and speedily exterminated. 

 It is seldom shot, however, when anything else can be obtained. Quite a large num- 

 ber of its eggs were brought to Washington in the collections of Mr. Elliott. They, 

 like all other eggs of the birds of the genus, are covered with white chalky incrusta- 

 tions of a varying thickness, and Avith great irregularity of surface, the underlying 

 shell having a pale bluish or greenish tinge. The eggs also vary somewhat in size and 

 in shape ; but all are very much elongated, measuring 2.50 inches in average length, 

 and l.oO in breadth. They are of very nearly equal size at either end, and are more 

 or less stained — a natural result of the filthy condition of the nest. 



Eggs of this species in the Smithsonian Collection (No. 16324, obtained by Mr. 

 H. W. Elliott on St. Paul's Island) are of a glaucous white color, with incrustations 

 of a chalky whiteness. Five eggs selected as typical of the variations in size and 

 shape present the following measurements : 2.30 by 1.55 inches j 2.35 by 1.55 ; 2.45 

 by 1.55; 2.50 by 1.50 ; 2.55 by 1.50. 



Phalacrocorax perspicillatus. 



PALLAS' S CORMORANT. 



Phalacrocorax perspidllahis, Pall. Zoog. Rosso-As. II. 1826, 305. —Gould, Zool. Voy. Sulphur, 

 1844, 49, pi. .32. — Bonap. Consp. II. 1855, 167— Ridgw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 648. — 

 CoUES, 2(1 Check List, 1882, no. 756. 



Gracvlus perspicillatus, Lawk, in Baird's B. N. Am. 1858, 877. — Baird, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, no. 

 621. — CouES, Key, 1872, 304 ; Check List, 1873, no. 533. 



Hab. Behring's Island ; possibly in some of the westernmost islands of the Aleutian chain. 

 Sp. Char. Somewhat like P. urile, but very uuich larger, and the nuptial plumes scattered 

 over entire head and uj)per neck. Adult, in perfect breeding -dress : " Face and crest deep rich 



