PELECANID^. 



3(^3 



THE SHAG, OR GREEN CORMORANT. 



Phalacr6corax graculus (Linnceus). 



The Shag, also known as the Scart, Scarf, or Crested Cormorant, 

 may be distinguished from the preceding species by its smaller size, 

 and, when adult, by its prevailing green colour. The illustration is 

 taken from a bird in autumn plumage ; the crest, which is assumed 

 very early in spring and only retained for a few months, is tuft-shaped 

 and curved forward. The young are not so easily recognized on the 

 wing, but may be distinguished on examination by the tail-feathers, 

 which, in this species, are only twelve in number. The Shag is 

 essentially marine, and seldom wanders inland, or to fresh water ; 

 its favourite haunts being rugged coasts, especially those honey- 

 combed with caves, or shores margined with fallen rocks and large 

 boulders, amongst which it often makes its nest. Such situations 

 are frequent on the west coast of Scotland and its islands up to the 

 Shetlands, and to a great extent along Ireland, as well as in South 

 Wales, and in England from the Isle of Wight westward ; and in 

 these the Shag is, on the whole, more abundant than the Cormorant. 

 By fishermen and seaside folk, however, the trivial names are fre- 

 quently interchanged, while the term ' Diver ' is sometimes applied 

 to both birds, and these facts should be borne in mind. 



