MAN-OF-WAR BIRD. 373 



In habits this species does not differ from others of the group. 

 It feeds principally on fish, which it obtains by diving from the 

 surface of the water. It is an expert diver, and strong, fast swim- 

 mer, and can remain under water for a very long period, coming to 

 the surface out of gunshot of a pursuer. 



Note. — The Florida Cormorant (/*. dilophus Jioridanns) 

 is a smaller variety of the Double-crested species, differing from the 

 type in size only. Length about 25 inches. It is restricted chiefly 

 to the Gulf States, though occurring occasionally on the Atlantic 

 shores of the more southern States, and along the Mississippi val- 

 ley to southern Illinois. 



Another species, the Mexican Cormorant {P. mexicanus), 

 occurs occasionally on the shores of the Gulf States, and has 

 been taken in southern Illinois. 



MAN-OF-WAR BIRD. 



frigate bird. frigate pelican. 



Fregata aquila. 



Char. Prevailing color black, with reflections of green and purple. 

 Length about 40 inches. 



A'^est. On mangrove-trees near the shore, loosely made of twigs. 

 Eggs. Usually i ; white ; 2.70 X 1.85. 



The Frigate Pelican, or Man-of-War Bird, is chiefly seen on 

 the tropical seas, and generally on the wing. These birds are 

 abundant in the island of Ascension, India, Ceylon, and China. 

 In the South Sea they are seen about the Marquesas, Easter 

 Isles, and New Caledonia ; also at Otaheite. Dampier saw them 

 in great plenty in the island of Aves, in the West Indies ; and 

 they are common off the coast of East Florida, particularly 

 around the reefs or keys, often assembled in flocks of from 

 fifty to a thousand. They are also not uncommon, during sum- 

 mer, along the coasts of the Union as far as South Carolina, 

 and breed in various places, retiring to warmer latitudes on the 

 approach of cool weather. 



The Frigate Bird is often seen smoothly gHding through the 

 air, with the motions of a Kite, from one to two hundred 



