238 COMMON CORMORANT. 



THE COMMON CORMORANT, PHALACRACORAX CAR- 

 BO. Pelicanus carlo, Linn. Carlo cormoranus, le 

 grand cormoran, Temm. Phalacracorax carlo, 

 Steph., Flem.,Selly$c. Crested Cormorant, Bewick. 

 Cormorant of British authors. This species, from 

 the changes incident to its plumage, was described 

 under several names ; but these states have since 

 been better understood, and the British birds are 

 now known to constitute but one species. The 

 present bird is the most common and most widely 

 distributed, and extends around the whole coasts 

 of our mainland and islands, breeding in suitable 

 localities, and in winter entering the bays and 

 estuaries, and at times ascending the courses of 

 rivers; its breeding stations are described to bo 

 rather on the summits of rocks than on the 

 ledges, where they construct a large nest of sea- 

 weeds, or material collected on the waters; but where 

 we have observed them, ledges of rock have been 

 selected, and so broad, that the birds, if shot dead, 

 would not fall from them. On the Ross of Kirkcud- 

 bright, St. Bee's Head, and the Isle of Man, there are 

 several breeding-places of this description. During 

 winter it occasionally follows the river courses ; and 

 we have known several birds take up a regular sta- 

 tion, remaining to fish on the river, and roosting 

 during night on its banks, upon some overhanging 

 trees; and where inland lakes or waters are situate 

 at no great distance from the sea, they are constantly 

 frequented. On the sea, except during incubation, 



