123 



COEMOEANT. 



COMMON CORMORANT. CORVORANT. 



PLATE CCXII. FIG. II. 



Pelecanus carlo, PENNANT. MONTAGU. 



Carlo cormoranus, TEMMINCK. 



THE Cormorant naturally prefers an elevated situation for its nest, 

 though in default of such it is obliged to put np with a lowly one. 

 It is well for those of a higher rank in creation than the bird when 

 they can thus readily accommodate themselves to the circumstances in 

 which they are placed. Many pairs congregate together. 



In the former case the tops of lofty cliffs are built on, or, as the 

 next best, high trees. Failing these, a bed of rushes is made to serve 

 the purpose on the mainland; or the top of a low island rock is re- 

 sorted to. 



The nest, which is large, is composed of sticks or sea-weeds, heaped 

 up to the height of a couple of feet. The finer portions or grass 

 forming the interior. 



The eggs, small in proportion to the size of the bird, are of a pale 

 bluish or greenish white colour, without polish, and of an oblong shape. 

 Three, four, or five are usually laid, but sometimes six. 



As. soon as the young are able to fend and forage for themselves, 

 which is as soon as they can fly, they are conducted to the sea by 

 their parents, and then left to their own resources. 



