THE BRANDT CORMORANT. 847 
only dismal or ridiculous. Most interesting, also, is the curious pulsating of 
the loose membranes of the throat during excitement or anger, or perhaps 
during activity of any kind. The pulsating movement is rapid and to 
appearance violent, and it is characteristic not only of this species but of the 
next as well. 
Among the young Cormorants noted on the Grenville Arch was one with 
a misshapen foot, who knowing his weakness did not attempt to escape, but 
hissed and barked at me most valiantly every time I passed. He fairly 
clamored for my blood, but when I ventured a hand he picked at it rather 
sheepishly and then desisted, as tho admitting it was all bluff. \What a curious 
provision of nature it is which fills the mouths of her most inoffensive crea- 
tures with loud boastings! 
No. 342. 
BRANDT’S CORMORANT. 
A. O. U. No. 122. Phalacrocorax penicillatus (Brandt). 
Synonyms.—Brown Cormorant. SHAG. 
Description.—Adults im carly nuptial plumage: In general deep lustrous 
greenish black, changing to lustrous purplish black on head and neck; lighter on 
scapulars and wing-coverts, where feathers exhibit violet-green iridescence, and 
have narrow edgings of the darker green; gular sac dull blue, bordered basally 
with dull orange or fawn-color. From each side of the neck springs a loose 
irregular tuft of stiffish linear white feathers, declined backward and downward 
2 to 3 inches. Similar feathers of twice the width and half the abundance start 
from the scapulars, and a few others, mere stiffened hairs, are scattered over the 
lower occiptal region. These white adornments disappear with the advance 
of the nesting season, and the plumage loses much of its luster (?). Irides sea- 
green; bill dusky. Young: Brownish black, lusterless, lightening on belly, and 
with lighter edgings of feathers on scapulars and wing-coverts. 
Recognition Marks.—Eagle size; bluish and fawn-colored gorget most dis- 
tinctive at close quarters—general absence of positive characteristics itself 
distinctive at greater range. 
Nesting.—Nest: a substantial structure of moss, sea-weed, and compacted 
grasses, deeply cupped, placed on level surface of rock, usually crest of islet. 
Eggs: 4, pale bluish green, overlaid with white calcareous deposit, elliptical ovate 
or elongate ovate. Av. size, 2.55 x 1.54 (64.8x 39.1). Season: May 20-June 20; 
one brood. 
General Range.—Pacific Coast of North America from Vancouver Island to 
Cape St. Lucas. 
Range in Washington.—Breeding, but not commonly, upon the Olympiades ; 
