452 NATAT. PHALACROCORAX. CORMORANT. 



a loss to conjecture. I cannot but think he has been led into 

 some mistake with regard to the species, especially as he 

 has quoted the Corvus aquaticus minor of WILLOUGHBY and 

 RAY as a synonym, the description of which clearly refers to 

 the Crested or Green Cormorant. I may also add, that the 

 Pelecanus cristatus of LATHAM'S Index Ornithologicus, 

 quoted by TEMMINCK as a synonym of his " Cormoran 

 Largup," seems to refer to some other species, probably the 

 Carbo Dilophus of RICHARDSON and SWAINSON, mentioned 

 in the Fauna Americana Borealis, as the crest is thus de- 

 scribed ; " Pennae ad latera capitis utrinque elongatoe, cristam 

 efformantes," a form and position totally unlike that of the 

 Crested Shag. In the descriptions of this species given by 

 our writers, much difference will be found in the details, 

 but these may all be traced to the age, or particular state of 

 plumage of the individual when described. In its perfect or 

 crested state, that is, with the frontal tuft curving forwards, 

 it seems to have come but rarely under observation, which 

 will not appear extraordinary, when we consider the short 

 time that the bird possesses it, viz. from about the month of 

 February till nearly the middle of May. Upon the rocky 

 shores and islands of England and Scotland, the Crested 

 Shag is a common species, breeding in the clefts and on the 

 Nest, &c. ledges of perpendicular cliffs. Its nest is composed of a mass 

 of sea-weed, chiefly of the Fucus vesiculosus, and the eggs, 

 four or five in number, are smaller, but similar in outward 

 appearance to those of the preceding species. The young 

 are also excluded in a naked state, but soon become covered 

 with a thick black down, that is gradually hidden by the re- 

 gular plumage. As nestlings, they have the same habit, 

 when alarmed, of gaping with outstretched necks, and 

 violently shaking the loose dilatable skin of the throat. 

 This bird differs from the larger species in never frequenting 

 fresh water lakes or rivers ; residing constantly upon the 

 Food, sea-coast. It preys upon various kinds of fish, which are 

 obtained by diving, in which faculty it is equally quick and 

 expert with the Common Cormorant. 



