Shag. 521 



218. SHAG (Phalacrocorax graculus). 



This is a smaller species than the last, from which it may also 

 be distinguished by its plumage of a deep glossy, black- green, 

 with no intermixture of white feathers, and no white patch upon 

 the thighs. It never nests in trees, but always on the rocks, and 

 very frequently within caves or deep fissures. Both species have 

 the claw of the middle toe serrated or pectinated on the inner 

 edge, the use of which has never been satisfactorily determined ; 

 for it is now stoutly denied by some that it was ever used, as was 

 formerly supposed, for the purpose of assisting to hold their 

 slippery prey. In its habits the Shag resembles the Cormorant, 

 excepting that it is more maritime in the localities it frequents, 

 for it seldom leaves the sea coast, as it is not accustomed to 

 ascend rivers as its larger relative so often does. Therefore 

 Montagu expressed surprise on learning that one was shot so far 

 inland as Newbury, but he concluded the bird had been ' enticed 

 so far by that noble river the Thames, into which the Rennet 

 flows.' I am able, however, to give an instance of its occurrence 

 in Wiltshire, on the same river Kennet, but, in this case, very 

 near the source of that stream ; for my excellent neighbour. Mr. 

 Thomas Kemm, of Avebury, himself a lover of birds, wrote me 

 word on October 26th, 1876. that in the previous week Mr. 

 Gwatkin, of Lincoln's Inn, when shooting there, had killed a fine 

 specimen, though a young bird, of this species. Lord Methuen 

 also mentions one killed on the water at Corsham Court ; and the 

 Marlborough College Natural History Reports record one shot at 

 Durnford Mill, in the parish of Mildenhall, by Mr. Sidney Willis, 

 September 8th, 1871. 



The fishermen on our coast give to this species also the name 

 of ' Skart ;' others call it the ' Green Cormorant,' and the ' Crested 

 Shag.' In Sweden its true name is Topp Skarf, or 'Crested 

 Skarf,' but these are not distinctive names, inasmuch as both 

 species assume a crest in their breeding plumage. More commonly 

 it is known in Sweden and Norway as Hafs Tjdder, or 'Sea 

 Capercaillie,' and sometimes as Al Kraka, or ' Eel Crow/ because 



