THE WORLD'S BIRDS. I3 



Cormorants {PhalacrocoracidcB). 



Diagnosis. — Diving-hirds with all the four toes webbed 

 and moderate wings. 



Size. — From that of a goose to that of a jackdaw. 



Form. — Bill, medium to short, with the tip hooked, 

 except in the Darters, covering divided by grooves, 

 nostrils nearly obsolete ; feet with short laterally 

 flattened shanks, and all four toes webbed, the first 

 pointing backwards as usual, and not forwards as 

 often stated ; wings moderate ; tail moderate or 

 long. Neck and body long, thighs prominent. 



Plumage and Colouration. — Feathering peculiarly 

 short on the lower back, usually mostly black 

 or black-and-white, in the adults, and brown in the 

 young ; hardly ever a sexual difference, but usually 

 some seasonal change. Face always bare. 



Young. — Helpless and naked at first, then clothed with 

 down, except the front of the head, which remains 

 bare ; down black in Cormorants, white in Darters. 

 They fledge evenly, like other nestlings. When 

 being fed they thrust their heads down the parents' 

 throats. 



Nest. — A collection of sticks, weed, etc.j placed on 

 rocks, trees, reeds, or the ground. 



Eggs. — Several ; pale blue or green, overlaid by a white 

 chalky coating. 



Incubation. — About a month. 



Courtship. — In the case of the Common Cormorant, 

 the male bends down his bill, expands his throat, 

 half opens his wings, and hops about the female. 



Food. — Fish and other aquatic animals obtained by 

 diving. 



Gait. — A walk, not so awkward as often represented. 

 Cormorants stand and move semi-erect, but Darters 

 walk with the body horizontal. Most perch 

 freely, and jump about among boughs with con- 



