177 



depressed into a shallow cup. It may be distinguished from the nests of the Egret and Ibis 

 at some distance by being covered with the white droppings of its possessor. Late in May the 

 nest contains five or more, seldom six eggs; therefore it lays more than any of the other 

 European species." 



Both male and female incubate in turn, and are exceedingly careful. When not sitting on 

 the eggs they perch close to the nest, only leaving when compelled to search for food, and when 

 disturbed they fly round at no great distance from the nest ; and when the young are hatched 

 they are even more solicitous for their progeny. 



Eggs of the present species in my collection resemble those of the Shag, but are much less 

 in size, varying from Iff by -£-$ to Iff by -^ inch ; and the surface of the shell is somewhat 

 smoother. 



The specimens figured are an adult male in full breeding-dress, and an immature bird in 

 winter plumage, both from Southern Europe. 



In the preparation of the above article I have examined the following specimens : — 



E Mus. H. E. Dresser, 

 a, ad. Hungary, spring of 1872. b, <$ , c, d, Qjuv. Butrinto, Albania, October 1871 (Hanbury Barclay). 



E Mus. C. G. Danford. 

 a,s,b,2. Adalia, December 22nd, 1874 (C. G. D.). 



E Mus. Brit. Beg. 

 a. Algiers, b, ad., c,juv. Ghelma. d. Behar, India [Hodgson). e,f. India. 



E Mus. J. H. Gumey, jun. 

 a, cj, ad. Fayoom, Egypt, June 1875 (/. H. G.,jun.). 



