100 



CORMORANT. 



COMMON CORMORANT. CORVORANT. 

 PLATE CCXII. FIG. II. 



Pelecanus carlo, . . Pexn^akt. Montagu. 

 Carlo cormoranus, . Temmixck. 



The Cormorant naturally prefers an elevated situation 

 for its nest, though in default of such it is obliged to 

 put up with a lowly one. It is well for those of a 

 higher rank in creation than the bird when they can 

 thus readily accommodate theinselves to the circumstances 

 in which they are placed. Many pairs congregate 

 together. 



In the former case the tops of lofty cliiFs are built 

 on, or, as the next best, high trees. Failing these, a 

 bed of rushes is made to serve the purpose on the 

 mainland ; or the top of a low island rock is resorted to. 



The nest, which is large, is composed of sticks or sea- 

 weeds, heaped up to the height of a couple of feet. The 

 finer portions or grass forming the interior. 



The eggs, small in proportion to the size of the bird, 

 are of a pale bluish or greenish white colour, without 

 polish, and of an oblong shape. Three, four, or five 

 are usually laid, but sometimes six. 



As soon as the young are able to fend and forage for 

 themselves, which is as soon as they can fly, they are 

 conducted to the sea by their parents, and then left to 

 their own resources. 



