of the United States. 351 



63. RIIINCOPS. 



Rhincops, L. Gin. Lath. III. Cuv. Vieill. Temm. Ranz. 

 Rigcopsalia.) Barren, Brisson. Phalacrocorax, Moehring. 

 Bill longer than the head, straight, almost tetragonal at 

 base, then exceedingly compressed ; upper mandible much 

 shorter than the lower, somewhat curved from the base to the 

 point, rather acute at tip, grooved so as to receive the 

 edge of the lower ; edges much bent in forming a narrow 

 channel ; lower mandible narrower, truncated at tip, lineated 

 obliquely on the sides, with the edges distinct only at base, 

 being so well united as to appear a mere blade, fitting into 

 the channel of the upper : nostrils basal, marginal, concave, 

 oblong, longitudinal, open, pervious : tongue very short, 

 narrow, acute. Feet moderate, slender ; tarsus somewhat 

 longer than the middle toe ; middle toe longest ; inner short- 

 er than the outer ; webs emarginate ; lateral toes bordered 

 exteriorly with a narrow membrane ; hind toe shorter than a 

 phalanx of the middle one, articulated rather high on the 

 tarsus, touching the ground at tip : nails rather elongated, 

 curved, acute; the middle nail twice as long as the lateral ; 

 hind nail much the smallest. Wings extremely long, folding 

 across each other, falcate upwards ; first primary longest, 

 and with the second much longer than the others. Tail of 

 moderate length, forked. 



Female similar to the male. Young differing from the 

 adult. Moult twice in the year, but without much changing 

 their appearance. 



Keep in small parties near the shores, seldom venturing far 

 at sea. Resting on shores and in marshes : walk awkwardly : 

 seldom alight, hardly ever on the water ; never swim. Flight 

 slow, flapping when looking after food, swift and tortuous 

 when it is discovered. Feed on small fishes, and other marine 

 animals, skim the water, ploughing it with their lower man- 

 dible, the upper being kept out until the prey is felt by 



