North American Birds Eggs. 



63 



I 20c. Farallone Cormorant. Phahirronirnx dibiphux (ilh(i(il'niiiiH. 



Range. — This sub-species breeds on the coasts and islands of California and 

 southward. ^.. 



In company with other species of Cormorants, these birds V)reed in large 

 numliers on the Farallones, placing their nests well up on the higher ridges and 

 rocks. They breed most abundantly during May. When nesting on the 

 inland islands, thej' place their nests in low bushes. Their nests and eggs are 

 similar to those of "the other Cormorants. Size L'.40 x 1.50. Data. — Farallones, 

 C^alilornia. Nest of weeds and seaweed on the rocks. Collector, W. O. Emerson. 



12 1. Mexican Cormorant. Phdidcrociirdx mcxlcnnufi. 



Range. — Breeds abundantly from southern Texas, 

 north rarely to Kansas; has recently 

 been found breeding in limited number 

 on some of the Bahamas. In the ■' 



interior they nest in trees, chiefly those 

 overhanging or growing in the water. 

 On the coasts they nest on the rocky 

 ledges, as do the other Cormorants. 

 They nest in colonies building their 

 abode of twigs and weeds, and during 

 May laying three or four eggs, greenish 

 white in color and chalky, as are all 

 the Cormorants. Size 2.25 x 1.35. 



south thr( ut;h Mtxico; 





Vr: — 



[(Jreenish White. I 



122. Brandt Cormorant. Phiilarrocoiiix iirnirilliitus. 



Range. — Pacific coast breeding along the whole coast of the United States. 



This species is found more abundantly on the Farallones than is the 

 Farallone Cormorant. Like the other Cormorants breeding on these islands, 

 these cling closely to their nests, for fear of being roblieil by the Gulls, that are 

 ever on the watch to steal either eggs or young. Their nesting habits and eggs 

 are identical with those of the other species. Size 2.50 x 1.50. Data. — Bird Is., 

 California, May 24, 1885. A very bulky nest of seaweed on the rocks. 

 Collector, A. M. IngersoU. 



:a'^>? 



123. Pelagic Cormorant. Phfilarrororax pelagirus. 



Range.— Coast of Alaska. 



These are perhaps the most beautiful species of Cormorants, having brilliant 

 violet green metallic reflections and, in the breeding plumage, crests on the 

 forehead and nape, as well as large white flank patches. They breed in large 

 colonies on the Aleutian Islands, placing their nests of sticks and sea mosses 

 on the rocky ledges, often hundreds of feet above the sea level. Three or four 

 eggs are laid during May and June. The young birds when hatched are naked 

 and black, and are repulsive looking objects, as are those of all the other 

 Cormorants. The eggs are greenish white with the usual calcareous deposit. 

 Size 2.30 X 1.40. Data.— Copper Is., Bering Sea, July 2, 1890. Xest made of 

 seaweed on the rocks. Collector, Capt. Tilson. 



