234 PELTCANIDJE. 



In those localities the young birds are described to be much 

 persecuted by the scald crow (Corvus comix), who watch from 

 above and carry them off during the parent's absence.* 



Best known on. the eastern coast by the name of " sea 

 parrot," they were at one time the subject of a clever hoax 

 upon some of the sober citizens of Dublin, who were desirous 

 to obtain a tropical luxury at an unusually cheap rate. Some 

 two or three dozen sea parrots having been captured, were 

 exposed for sale at Carlisle Bridge, under the attractive ap- 

 pellation of East Indian parrots, and where they were readily 

 disposed of at an average of from two to five shillings each, 

 the purchasers receiving a gratuitous caution to be careful in 

 handling them, as they were inclined to bite, an accomplish- 

 ment with which the puffin is " au fait." It is needless tore- 

 mark, a diet of bread and water but ill agreed with the poor 

 puffins, and all perished from hunger. 



Habitat Southern Europe. 



FAMILY XXXIX. PELICANID^ (PELICANS). 



GENUS CVIII PHALACRACORAX (CORMORANT). 



SPECIES 226 THE COMMON CORMORANT. 



Phalacracorax carbo. Jard. 

 ; Cormoran grand. Teinm. 



THIS common bird is resident on our coasts, and frequently 

 to be met with in our bays and estuaries, generally attracting 

 notice from its large size and dark colour. 



In some localities it is seen in considerable numbers, and 

 even in our own bay can be observed during all seasons. As 

 may be supposed from the form of the feet, and their distance 

 behind, the cormorant is an excellent swimmer, and dives 

 with great rapidity. Its food consists of small fishes, floun- 

 ders, eels, and herrings. Indeed the cormorant is not parti- 

 cularly discriminating in its choice, and when fishing, wisely 

 adheres to the adage, " first come first served." 



When swimming, the cormorant is easily distinguished from 

 all aquatic birds by its long, upright neck, and a great portion 

 of the body immersed, which, when alarmed, is sunk in the 

 water so as to leave little more than the head visible. 



* Mr. T. W. Hopkins. 



