THE SHAG. 



PHALACROCORAX GRACULUS. 



Tail graduated, of twelve feathers. In winter, general plumage deep greenish 

 black ; feathers of the back glossy with black borders ; orbits and pouch 

 greenish yellow; bill dusky; irides green; feet black. In summer, head 

 crested. Young birds greenish brown above ; light grey below. Length 

 twenty-eight inches. Eggs gi-eenish blue, chalky. 



Except in tlie smaller size and differences of plumage 

 mentioned above, there is little to distinguisli the Shag 

 from the Cormorant. Both, too, are of common occur- 

 rence, and frequent the same localities ; except that the 

 Shag is more disposed to be gregarious : it does not, how- 

 ever, commonly resort to tidal rivers, and is still more 



