26 



both at sea and in inland rivers make terrible 

 havoc among the finny tribe. Being most excel- 

 lent divers they pursue their prey under the water 

 with great rapidity and facility, but upon land, 

 though the tail, which is furnished with strong 

 feathers, assists them in walking, they are extremely 

 awkward in their movements, in consequence of 

 their legs being placed so far backwards. In China 

 they are used for fishing, a ring or strap being 

 fastened round the neck to prevent them swallow- 

 ing the fish. During spring and the early part 

 of summer the adult birds have a crest, of which 

 they are destitute in winter. The eggs are four 

 or five in number, and of a bluish green colour. 



CORMORANT, GREEN. 



SHAG, OR CRESTED SHAG. 



CAEBO CEISTATTIS, Selby. 



Is less than the last species, and may be easily 

 distinguished from the Common Cormorant by its 

 green colour. It is as greedy and voracious, and 

 frequents the same localities, but never quits the 

 sea. The adult Shag, as well as the Common Cor- 

 morant, is provided during spring and summer 

 with a crest, which disappears in winter. The 

 young birds are destitute of this ornament. 

 Crested birds of this species are often found asso- 



