344 BRITISH BIRDS' NESTS. 



Situation and Locality. Crevices, fissures, and 

 caves in sea cliffs ; sometimes on ledges or amongst 

 the boulders of the rock-strewn beaches of small 

 islands. Pretty generally round our coasts, where 

 suitable accommodation is to be found, but prin- 

 cipally on the west coast of Scotland, the Orkneys 

 and Shetlands. 



Materials. Seaweed and twigs, lined with grass, 

 the whole plastered and befouled with droppings 



YOUNG SHAGS. 



and decomposing fish. Where conditions admit, 

 it is a bulky structure. 



Eggs. Two to five, generally three ; pale green, 

 almost wholly covered by a chalky substance, which 

 soon becomes discoloured. The eggs resemble those 

 of the Cormorant closely, but are usually a trifle 

 smaller in size. The situation of the nest and 

 presence of birds readily distinguish them. Average 

 measurement, 2.45 by 1.5 in. 



Time. May and June. 



Remarks. Resident, but subject to local move- 

 ment. Note : a harsh guttural croak. Local and 

 other names : Crested Shag, Scart, Scarf, Crested 

 Cormorant, Green Cormorant. Shag and Cor- 



