Nest, &c. 
Food. 
A592 NATAT. PHALACROCORAX. CoRMORANT. 
a loss to conjecture. I cannot but think he has been led into 
some mistake with regard to the species, especially as he 
has quoted the Corvus aquaticus minor of WiLLoucHBy and 
Ray asa synonym, the description of which clearly refers to 
the Crested or Green Cormorant. I may also add, that the 
Pelecanus cristatus of Latuam’s Index Ornithologicus, 
quoted by 'TEmMiINcK as a synonym of his “ Cormoran 
Largup,” seems to refer to some other species, probably the 
Carbo Dilophus of Ricnarpson and Swarnson, mentioned 
in the Fauna Americana Borealis, as the crest is thus de- 
scribed ; ‘‘ Pennze ad latera capitis utrinque elongate, cristam _ 
efformantes,” a form and position totally unlike that of the 
Crested Shag. In the descriptions of this species given by 
our writers, much difference will be found in the details, 
but these may all be traced to the age, or particular state of 
plumage of the individual when described. In-its perfect or 
crested state, that is, with the frontal tuft curving forwards, 
it seems to have come but rarely under observation, which 
will not appear extraordinary, when we consider the short 
time that the bird possesses it, viz. from about the month of 
February till nearly the middle of May. Upon the rocky 
shores and islands of England and Scotland, the Crested 
Shag is a common species, breeding in the clefts and on the 
ledges of perpendicular cliffs.—Its nest is composed of a mass 
of sea-weed, chiefly of the Fucus vesiculosus, and the eggs, 
four or five in number, are smaller, but similar in outward 
appearance to those of the preceding species. The young 
are also excluded in a naked state, but soon become covered 
with a thick black down, that is gradually hidden by the re- 
gular plumage. As nestlings, they have the same habit, 
when alarmed, of gaping with outstretched necks, and 
violently shaking the loose dilatable skin of the throat. 
This bird differs from the larger species in never frequenting 
fresh water lakes or rivers; residing constantly upon the 
sea-coast.—It preys upon various kinds of fish, which are 
obtained by diving, in which faculty it is equally quick and 
expert with the Common Cormorant. 
ee ag ee eee 
