Double-Crested Cormorant {Phaiacrocorax auHtus) 



By Lynds Jones 



Length : 30 to 32 inches. 



The Double-crested Cormorant, a pair of which is shown in our illustration 

 with their nest and eggs, is the common Cormorant of the eastern and middle 

 United States. In that region, however, it is rarely seen excepting during its 

 migrations, or as a winter visitant in the southern states as far north as southern 

 Illinois and Mrginia. In exceptional seasons it has, however, been known to pass 

 the winter as far north as the Bay of Fundy. It nests from the states of Dakota 

 and Minnesota and the region of the Great Lakes northward. 



The habits of the double-crested species are similar to those of the other Cor- 

 morants. Fish form its principal article of food. These it obtains by diving and 

 pursuing them under water. It is a strong and rapid swimmer, as well as an expert 

 diver. To escape an enemy it will remain under water for a long period and swim 

 a considerable distance. In migrating, the birds form in a long, narrow line and 

 fly very high, their flight resembling that of the larger ducks. Though they fly 

 rapidly, there is a constant and labored flapping of the wings, and if they sail, it is 

 only for a short distance. 



The double-crested cormorant is somewhat erratic in its choice of a nesting 

 site. Some pairs seem to prefer the vicinity of inland waters — large lakes or rivers 

 — while other pairs only breed on rocky islands in the sea. The nest may be built 

 in a crevice, on a ledge of a sea-washed cliff or it may be placed in a secluded place 

 on the beach of a lake. Sometimes it is constructed in a low bush and not infre- 

 quently in a tree on a river bank. The materials used are coarse sticks, twigs and 

 grass. When on the seashore the nest is frequently built entirely of marine 

 herbage. 



The double-crested cormorants "may often be seen sitting on snags or on 

 rocks ; but they are so shy they cannot be approached in a boat, although in flying 

 they often pass very near the hunter, and thus afford an opportunity for a shot. 

 In winter they associate in small numbers with the more marine species." 



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