154 BIRDS OF TUNISIA 



Favier, states that it is to be found near Taufjier from December to 

 February and frequents the coast, lakes and rivers, where it is not 

 uncommon. 



In Sicily the species is abundant on most of the coasts, and par- 

 ticularly on that part lying between Trapani and Marsala, where the 

 numerous salt-pans and natural shallows furnish a plentiful supply of 

 food, not only to Cormorants, but to many other species of aquatic 

 birds, and during the winter months are a haven of rest and plenty 

 for them. Among the most important of these localities is the fine 

 inland bay commonly known by the name of the " Stagno di Marsala," 

 celebrated not only for the excellence and abundance of its fish, but 

 also for having been the scene of Dionysius' famous siege of the ancient 

 Phoenician town and colony of Motya, B.C. 396. The small island on 

 which Motya stood and which is now called the Island of San 

 Pantaleo, is surrounded by the "stagno," and the water between it 

 and the mainland is in some parts so shallow that the country carts 

 cross it. The island was indeed once connected with the mainland by 

 a road, the remains of which may be distinctly seen below the surface 

 of the water when it is clear. 



Although not particularly sociable or gregarious, the Cormorant 

 may often be found in flocks, these sometimes consisting of many 

 individuals. It is also to be found singly and in pairs. In its habits 

 it is essentially aquatic, and though fond of perching on rocks or posts 

 in the middle of the water, it is more at home in that element itself, 

 swimming and diving with ease. It also Hies well, although rather 

 heavily, and when rising from the water apparently experiences some 

 difficulty in getting under weigh. The species in its natural state 

 appears to feed entirely on fish. Though naturally shy and wary, it 

 is capable of becoming very tame and docile if properly treated. 

 Fishing with Cormorants, which I have once had the pleasure of 

 witnessing, is an interesting sport, and in some countries it is said to 

 be carried on as a trade. In the far East it appears to have been 

 practised from time immemorial. 



In Tunisia, the species nests chiefly on rocks, building a large 

 structure of sticks, grass and sea-weed, and laying three or four eggs 

 of a very pale or whitish-blue, covered with a rough chalky coating. 

 The eggs measure about 70 X 40 mm. 



The distinct species, Phalacrocorax lucidus (Licht.) appears to occur 

 on the west coast of Marocco, and Dr. Hartert (Nov. Zool. ix, p. 339) 

 mentions having obtained several examples of it from Cape Blanco. 



