THE DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT. 



{Phalacrocorax dilofihus.) 



The Double-crested Cormorant, a pair 

 of which is shown in our illustration 

 with their nest and eggs, is the common 

 Cormorant of the eastern and middle 

 United States. In that region, however, 

 it is rarely seen excepting during its mi- 

 grations, or as a winter visitant in the 

 southern states as far north as southern 

 Illinois and Virginia. In exceptional sea- 

 sons it has, however, been known to pass 

 the winter as far north as the Bay of 

 Fundy. It nests from the states of Da- 

 kota and Minnesota and the region of 

 the Great Lakes northward. 



Thehabitsofthe Double-crested species 

 are similar to those of the other Cormo- 

 rants. Fish form its principle article of 

 food. These it obtains by diving and 

 pursuing them under water. It is a 

 strong and rapid swimmer, as well as an 

 expert diver. To escape an enemy it will 

 remain under water for a long period 

 and swim a considerable distance. In 

 migrating, the birds form in a long, nar- 

 row line and fly very high, their flight 

 resembling that of the larger ducks. 



Though they fly rapidly, there is a con- 

 stant and labored flapping of the wings', 

 and if they sail, it is only for a short dis- 

 tance. 



The Double-crested Cormorant is some- 

 what erratic in its choice of a nesting site. 

 Some pairs seem to prefer the vicinity 

 of inland waters — large lakes or rivers — 

 while other pairs only breed on rocky 

 islands in the sea. The nest may be built 

 in a crevice, on a ledge of a sea-washed 

 cliff or it may be placed in a secluded 

 place on the beach of a lake. Sometimes 

 it is constructed in a low bush and not 

 infrequently in a tree on a river bank. 

 The materials used are coarse sticks, 

 twigs and grass. When on the sea shore 

 the nest is frequently built entirely of 

 marine herbage. 



The Double-crested Cormorants "may 

 often be seen sitting on snags or on 

 rocks ; but they are so shy they cannot 

 be approached in a boat, although in fly- 

 ing thev often pass very near the hun- 

 ter, and thus afford an opportunity for a 

 shot. In winter they associate in small 

 numbers with the more marine species." 



THE CARDINAL. 



No slumber songster he, with vesper warblings low 



But bold his every note, and full and strong; 

 In his clear-ringing pledge, hear him unstop the flow, 



Then gurgle forth the red wine of his song! 



— Mary McGowan. 



155 



