202 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 



Nest. — Constructed on the ground, of soraped-up earth and 

 vegetable debris, well trodden together; the height of the nest is 

 some 4 inches, and the egg-cavity about 1| inches. The largest 

 rookeries in Australia are in Bass Strait, and notably the one 

 on Cat Island. 



Eggs. — Clutch one; elongated oval in shape; texture coarse; 

 surface under the chalky coating slightly glossy, otherwise with- 

 out gloss ; the whole egg is covered with a thick, rough coating 

 of lime, more or less nest-stained; under the coating the shell is 

 bluish-white. Dimensions in mm. of odd examples; — (a) 79 x 

 46, (b) 84 X 44. 



Breeding Season. — October to January. 



Geographical Distribution. — Seas of Tasmania, Austraha, and 

 New Zealand. 



Observations. — The Gannet is one of the most conspicuous 

 and handsome of sea-birds ; it is plentiful practically all round 

 the coast of Tasmania. The gigantic rookery on Cat Island, 

 which has recently been proclaimed a "sanctuary," has been 

 several times visited and described by ornithological enthusiasts. 

 Nearly 3,000 birds are said to nest on this island. The sight 

 during the breeding season is one never to be forgotten. When 

 the males of the sitting birds come in from the sea it is a pretty 

 sight to watch them caress in most loving fashion. It is a matter 

 of difficulty to estimate from what height the Gannet plunges 

 when fishing ; however, it enters the water with a splash that 

 sends the spray up all round, and completely disappears from 

 view for a few seconds. When on the wing it is rather an imposing 

 bird, and is a very powerful flier. Sometimes it will soar to a 

 great height and wheel round and round after the manner of an 

 Eagle. 



During heavy weather Gannets gather in the bay off Bridport 

 in numbers, and may be seen busily fishing in company with 

 Terns of various species. A few pairs also come a few miles up 

 the Tamar, especially when fish are plentiful in the river. 



Unfortunately, yachtsmen consider this bird fair game, and 

 a large number are shot round various parts of the coast, 

 especially during the holiday season, and their bodies either 

 allowed to drift away unheeded or else they are taken aboard 

 for a few hours and then cast away as worthless. 



FAMILY-PELECANID/E (1 species). 



*PELICAN 



(Pelecanus conspicillatus, Temm.) 



Male and Female (breeding plumage). — Plumage chieflj' pure 

 white; on the back of the head and neck is a fairly long crest; the 

 feathers of the inner lesser wing coverts, the median wing covert?, 



