444 NATAT. PHALACROCORAX. Cormoranr. 
&c., but by pouncing upon the flying fish as they spring 
from the sea, or by harassing other aquatic birds till they 
disgorge their prey, which is caught by these ere it reaches 
the surface of the water. In the genera that approach nearer 
in their habits to the typical swimmers, we find a corres- 
ponding modification of form ; thus the members of the ge- 
nus Cormorant (well known for their aquatic powers) have 
the body long and flattened, and the wings, although equal 
to vigorous flight, much shorter than the genera above men- 
tioned, or those which connect the Pelecanidz with the suc- 
ceeding family of the Laridz. Their legs, also, are placed 
nearer to the extremity of the body, and the tibiae have not 
the same freedom of action, in consequence of which, they 
are compelled both to sit and walk almost in a perpendicular 
position. All these prey beneath the surface of the water, 
being endowed with the power of diving to an extent little 
short of the typical Alcade and Colymbide. In Britain we 
possess two forms of this family, viz. genus Phalacrocorax 
and genus Swla. 
Genus PHALACROCORAX, Briss. CORMORANT. 
GENERIC CHARACTERS. 
Brut generally longer than the head, strait, strong, hard, 
slightly compressed ; having the upper mandible rounded 
above, terminating in a powerful hook, and furrowed later- 
ally from the base, as far as the dertrum or tip. Lower 
mandible with the terminating nail distinct, its tip com- 
pressed and truncated. ‘Tomia of the lower mandible in- 
tracted, and covered by those of the upper one. Nostrils 
basal, concealed. Face naked. Swallow and throat dila- 
table. 
Wings of mean length, having the first quill-feather shorter 
