61 
Field Marks. In life the Cormorants look somewhat similar to Loons, but have a 
distinctive wing action more easily recognized than described. In flight the Cormorant 
carries its neck outstretched and its feet hidden under the long tail, instead of trailing them 
behind like the Loon. On the water, it is easily recognized by its plainly visible tail, and 
even dark coloration. 
A cosmopolitan family, only two species of which are found in eastern 
Canada. 
119. Common Cormorant. FR.—LE CORMORAN ORDINAIRE. Phalacrocorax carbo. 
L; 36. See family description previously given. 
Distinctions. With the family description in mind, this species can easily be distin- 
guished from all but the one following. The adult of this species has a flash of white at the 
base of the gular pouch and another on the flank. In other plumages, its superior size 
and fourteen instead of twelve tail feathers are diagnostic. The absence of crest even 
when adult is not a reliable guide for the determination of the species (see next species). 
Field Marks. Unless size or the white marks are obvious it is rarely possible to separate 
the two Cormorants in life. 
Nesting. Similar to that of the next species. 
Distribution. The northern hemisphere of all three continents. In Canada, it is 
closely confined to the eastern coast and is rarely seen inland. 
Though called ‘‘Common”’ Cormorant this is the rarest of our eastern 
Canadian Cormorants. The species occurs on the European coast and was 
given the name ‘“‘Common”’ because of its abundance about the British 
Isles. 
Economic Status. Owing to its rarity it is of little economic import- 
ance in Canada. 
120. Double-crested Cormorant. FR.—LE CORMORAN A AIGRETTES. Phalacro- 
corax auritus. L, 30. See family description on previous page. 
Distinctions. This species is likely to be confused with the preceding one only. In 
adult plumage the absence of any white at the base of the gular sac and on the flanks is 
diagnostic. In other plumages, size and the presence of twelve instead of fourteen feathers 
in the tail must berelied upon. Early in the spring the filamentous crests on the sides of the 
head instead of a ragged ruff as in the previous species are characteristic; but these features 
are lost early in the season, before nesting begins, and hence are usually of little help in 
determination. 
Field Marks. Though Cormorants can be easily recognized by the characters given 
under the family heading, size and the presence or absence of the white spots are about the 
only features that serve to separate the two species in life. 
Nesting. On the ground amongst rocks, or on cliff ledges, occasionally in bushes or 
low trees, in rather bulky structures of sticks or weeds. 
Distribution. The Double-crested Cormorant breeds on the gulf of St. Lawrence and 
on lakes in the prairie provinces. It is a rather uncommon though perhaps regular migrant 
on the Great Lakes. 
SUBSPECIES. The Double-crested Cormorant occurs in both the New and Old 
Worlds. Those of North America are divided into four subspecies, of which within the 
range of this book there is only one, the Eastern Double-crested Cormorant, the type 
race. 
This is the most common Cormorant of eastern Canada. Unlike the 
previous species it is not strictly maritime and is found on fresh as well 
as salt water. It captures its prey by diving and pursuit under water. 
Unlike the Gannet it never dives from the wing but first alights on the 
surface and then goes under with a serpentine, gliding movement like a 
loon. It remains under water not longer than forty seconds as a rule. 
Economic Status. The danger of jumping at conclusions based upon 
superficial observation or common report was well illustrated by the out- 
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