164 



TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS — STEGANOPODES. 



large and heavy as are the parent birds ; but it is not until the beginning of its scciond 

 year that it has the briglit plum.age and nietallic gloss of tlie adult, wearing durini,' 

 the first year a dull drab-brown coat, Avith the brilliant colors of the base of the bill 

 and gidar sac subdued. 



The Ked-faced Cormorant is said to be a very bold and inquisitive bird, uttering 

 no sound whatever, except when flying over and around a boat or ship — objects wliicli 

 seem to have a magnetic power of attraction for this bird. When it is hovering and 

 circling around in this way, it is occasionally heard to utter a low droning croak. 

 This cannot be called a bird of graceful action, either on the wing or on the shore. 

 Its flight is performed by means of a quick beating of the usually more or less ragged 

 wings, the neck and head being stretched out horizontally to their full length. This 

 is an exceedingly inquisitive bird ; as it flies around a boat or ship again and again 

 in order to satisfy its curiosity, but never alights, although sometimes coming close 

 enough to them to be touched by the liand. In the brilliancy and beauty of its plum- 

 age this species cannot be surpassed, or even equalled, by any bird found in tin; 

 Ik'hring Sea. It fairly shimmers, when in the sunlight, with deep bronze and purple; 

 reflections as though clothed in steel armor. In its stomach are found invariably, 

 together Avitli the remains of small fish, a coil of worms {Nematoda). 



As, however severe the weather may be, this Red-faced Cormorant may be seen 

 during the whcle winter perched on the sheltered bluffs, the natives regard it witli 

 a species of affection, since it furnishes the only source of supply which they can 

 draw ujjon at that season for fresh meat, soups, and stews, always wanted by the sick ; 

 and were these Cormorants sought after throughout the year as tliey are during the 

 short spell of intensely bitter weather that occurs in severe winters, when the other 

 Water Fowl are driven away, this species would be certaiidy and speedily exterminated. 

 It is seldom shot, however, when anything else can be obtained. Quite a large num- 

 ber of its eggs were brought to Washington in the collections of Mr. Elliott. They, 

 like all other eggs of the birds of the genus, are covered with white chalky incrusta- 

 tions of a varying thickness, and with great irregularity of surface, the underlying 

 shell having a pale bluish or greenish tinge. The eggs also vary somewhat in size and 

 in shape ; but all are very much elongated, measuring 2.50 inches in average lengtli, 

 and 1.50 in breadth. They are of very nearly equal size at either end, and are more 

 or less stained — a natural result of the filthy condition of the nest. 



Eggs of this species in the Smithsonian Collection (No. 1G324, obtained by Mr. 

 II. W. Elliott on St. Raul's Island) are of a glaucous white color, with incrustations 

 of a chalky whiteness. Five eggs selected as typical of the variations in size ami 

 sha])e present the following measurements : 2.30 by 1.55 inches ; 2.35 by 1.55 ; 2.45 

 by 1.55; 2.50 by 1.50; 2.55 by 1.50. 



Phalacrocoraz perspicillattui. 



PALLAS'S COBXOBAHT. 



Phalacrocorax perspkilMiis, Pali- Zoog. Rosso-As. II. 1826, 305. —Gould, Zool. Voy. Suliilnn, 

 1844, 49, pi. 32. — BoNAP. Coiisp. II. 1855, 167— Ridgw. Nom. N. Am. B. 1881, no. 648. - 

 CouEs, 2(1 Check List, 1882, no. 756. 



Oracvlus perapicillattis. Lawk, in Bnird's B. N. Am. 1858, 877. — Baird, Cat. N. Am. B. 1859, no. 

 621. — CouES, Key, 1872, 304 ; Check List, 1873, no. 633. 



Hab. Behring'a Island ; possibly in some of the westernmost islands of the Alentinn chain. 

 Sp. Chau. Somewhat like P. urik, but very much larger, and the nuptial plumes 8catteru<l 

 over entire head and upper neck. Adult, in perfect breeding -dress : " Face and crest deep rich 



