THE BLACK SHAG 



309 



emerald green. Length of the wing, 12.5 to 14 inches; of the tarsus, 2.3 

 to 2.8 inches. Tail with 14 feathers. The young are brown with the 

 neck, breast, and abdomen white. Egg — Bluish white; length, 2.5 inches. 

 Found in eastern North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, 

 as well as New Zealand and the Chatham Islands. 



The cormorant, or black shag, is found not only on the sea- 

 coast, but also on rivers and lakes, far away from the sea. It 

 breeds also in a great variety of situations, on bare rocks, among 

 sedges, or in high trees. The nest is formed of sticks and grass. 



Black Shag. 



( IVomls Nat. Historij.) 



and contains three or four eggs. The cormorant perches well on 

 trees, holding on with its great feet. It flies heavily, but swims 

 and dives well; never, however, using its wings when in the 

 water, but only its feet. When engaged in fishing, it may some- 

 times be seen swimming with its head under water, no doubt for 

 the better observation of its prey. It can remain under water for 

 about half a minute, in which tune it travels 60 or 70 yards. 

 On coming out of the water, it generally commences to dry its 

 feathers, stretching out its quivering wings and preening them 

 with its bill until everything is once more to its satisfaction. 

 It is rather solitary in habit, except at the breeding season. 



