200 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 



among the islands and islets dotting Bass Strait during the latter 

 months of the year cannot but have observed rookeries of the 

 White-breasted Cormorant on many of them, showing out con- 

 spicuously on account of the rocks being "whitewashed." 

 Along many of our rivers flocks of this species may be seen perched 

 on piles or on the dead branches of trees overhanging or close to 

 the water. 



During my trip to Ninth Island, in September, 1909, I had 

 good opportunities for observing this Cormorant. On a rocky 

 isthmus running out from the south-east corner of the island was a 

 large rookery, with incubating operations in full swing. There were 

 between 100 and 150 nests, the majority containing eggs. The 

 rookery was divided into two parts, the portion on the landward 

 side containing eggs absolutely fresh ; some of the nests farthest 

 inland were only just ready for their reception. The nests towards 

 the extremity of the isthmus contained eggs somewhat incubated. 

 They were bulky structures of variously coloured seaweed ; the egg- 

 cavity occasionally contained fragments of tussock-grass, but 

 usually no lining other than fragments of sea debris was used. 

 The nests were placed about 2 feet apart, on top of the rocks, 

 which were heavily lime washed, as was the surrounding shingle. 

 After taking some photographs of the sitting birds for they 

 allowed one to approach to within three yards on this rny first visit 

 and the nests, a few clutches of eggs were secured, then the 

 birds left in peace. 



On again visiting the rookery, a few days later, it was found 

 that the Silver Gulls (Larus novce-liollandice) had played havoc 

 among the eggs. Later on I watched through my field-glasses 

 these Gulls quietly drop down among the nests and steal eggs 

 from unprotected nests right under the noses of birds sitting hard 

 by. From observations it was found that the Cormorants were 

 afraid of the Gulls, and would not return to protect their nests 

 while any of these impudent robbers were close by. 



On other parts of the island remains of extensive rookeries 

 were evident. 



It was noted that when this Cormorant was in full flight its 

 wing action much resembled that of the Black Duck (Anas sitper- 

 ciliosa). When disturbed from the rookery they would fly some 

 few hundred yards from the shore and settle in a compact mass in 

 the water, with their bodies sunk low and necks erect. 



LITTLE COKMOKANT 

 (Phalacrocorax melanoleucus, Vieill.) 



Male and Female (breeding plumage). Upper surface shining 

 black, glossed with greenish ; on the sides of the head and neck 

 longish white feathers, forming a kind of mane; the feathers 

 on the forehead form a short crest, in which a few white feathers 



