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THE BIRD BOOK 



122. Brandt's Cormorant. 



Phalacrocorax penicillatus. 



Range. — Pacific coast breeding along the whole coast 

 of the United States. 



This species is found more abundantly on the Faral- 

 lones than is the Farallone Cormorant. Like the other 

 Cormorants breeding on these islands, these cling closely 

 to their nests, for fear of being robbed by the Gulls, that 

 are ever on the watch to steal either eggs or young. 

 Their nesting habits and eggs are identical with those of 

 the other species. Size 2.50x1.50. Data. — Bird Island, 

 California, May 24, 1S85. A very bulky nest of seaweed 

 on the rocks. Collector, A. M. Ingersoll. 



12.S. Pelagic Cormorant. Phalacrocorax pcl- 

 agicus pelagicus. 

 Ilange. — Coast of Alaska. 



These are perhaps the most beautiful species of Cor- 

 morants, having brilliant violet green metallic reflec- 

 tions and, in the breeding plumage, crests on the fore- 

 head and nape, as well as large white flank patches. 

 They breed in large colonies on the Aleutian Islands, 

 placing their nests of sticks and sea mosses on the rocky 

 ledges, often hundreds of feet above the sea level. Three 

 I .^, I , , or four eggs are laid during May and June. The young 



birds' when liatched are naked and black, and are re- 

 pulsive looking objects, as are those of all the other Cormorants. The eggs 

 are greenish white with the usual calcareous deposit. Size 2.30 x 1.40. 



123a. Violet-green Cormorant. Phalacro- 

 corax pelagicus robiistiis. 

 This sub-species is found on the Pacific coast from Washington to tlie Aleu- 

 tian Islands. Their habits and nests and eggs are the same as those of the 

 Pelagic Cormorant, nesting on the high cliffs of the 

 rocky islands. The eggs are the same size as those of 

 the preceding. 



123b. Baird's Cormorant. Phalacrocorax pel- 

 agicus rcsplendens. 



This variety breeds on the Pacific coast from Wash- 

 ington south to Mexico. They nest on the Farallones, 

 but in smaller numbers than the other varieties found 

 there. Both the birds and their eggs are smaller than 

 the preceding. Size of eggs 2.20 x 1.40. 



12-1'. Red-faced Cormorant. Phalacrocorax urilc. 



Range. — Southwest coast of Alaska, migrating to 

 Japan in the winter. 



This species differs from the Pelagic chiefly in having 

 the forehead bare. They do not differ in their breeding 

 habits from others of the family. That the Cormorants 

 are expert fishermen may be seen from the fact that the 

 Chinese tame and have them catch fisli for them, placing 

 a ring around their neck to prevent their swallowing the 

 fish. Their nesting places are very filthy, being covered 

 with excrement and remains of fish that are strewn 

 around the nests. They breed in June laying three or 

 four eggs. Size 2.50 x 1.50. 



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