THE SHAG. m 



PHALACROCORAX GRACULUS. 



Tail graduated, of twelve feathers. In winter, general plumage deep greenish 

 black ; feathers of the back glossy with black borders ; orbits and pouch 

 greenish yellow ; bill dusky ; irides green ; feet black. In summer, head 

 crested. Young birds greenish brown above ; light grey below. Length 

 twenty-eight inches. Eggs greenish blue, chalky. 



EXCEPT in the smaller size and differences of plumage 

 mentioned above, there is little to distinguish the Shag 

 from the Cormorant. Both, too, are of common occur- 

 rence, and frequent the same localities ; except that the 

 Shag is more disposed to be gregarious : it does not, how- 

 ever, commonly resort to tidal rivers, and is still more 



