CORMORANT. 349 



There is much that is ungainly, awkward and uncouth about 

 the Cormorant, yet it is a handsome and interesting bird. Its 

 breeding haunts are rocky coasts, but it may be met with any- 

 where along the shores, far up tidal estuaries, on broad rivers 

 and inland waters. On the wing, at a distance, it can only be 

 told from the Shag by its size, but at close quarters the white 

 on cheeks and chin and the browner wings and back are dis- 

 tinctive. In the hand the fourteen tail feathers, as against 

 twelve in the Shag, are an unfailing feature. As a rule it flies 

 low over the waves, with long neck outstreched and feet trailed 

 behind, but when crossing land rises to above gunshot, and 

 occasionally, in sport, soars to a height, wheeling and floating with 

 wide-spread primaries. The wing-beats are quick, strong and 

 regular ; occasionally it will skim with motionless wings. It 

 swims low, holding the bill pointed upward at an angle of about 

 forty-five degrees, not at right angles like a grebe or downward 

 like the Swan; its head is frequently turned from side to side. 

 If alarmed it sinks the body until the back is awash, swimming 

 with head and neck alone exposed. It paddles like a duck, 

 moving the legs alternately, but beneath the surface they strike 

 together. It dives well, springing slightly from the water with 

 wings fast closed and submerging with a graceful curve ; often a 

 spurt of water is kicked up as it goes down. Under water it 

 swims with fe^ alone, progressing in rapid jerks, driven 

 forward by the simultaneous action of the legs, its neck slightly 

 curved, its head held back, ready to strike at its prey. In the 

 up stroke the webbed toes are gathered together, but are 

 expanded and slightly curved so as to grip the water when 

 propelling itself forward. When turning, checking speed or 

 rising to the surface the wings are slightly, very slightly, 

 opened, but after watching the bird in the sea and in tanks I 

 am convinced that the statements that it uses its wings for 

 swimming under water are erroneous. 



Though an occasional young Guillemot, Puffin or other bird 



