288 DUCKS, GEESE, SWANS, AND PELICANS. 



spot, never failing to secure it, even before it reaches to the 

 bottom. On shore the Cormorant is a dull, heavy bird, and it is 

 only in the water, and especially ■while fishing, that it appears to 

 advantage. It floats so low in the water, and swims and dives 

 so quickly, that it seldom fails to capture its prey. Now on 

 the surface, next moment below, onward it plunges as if making 

 an attack ; then rising suddenly in some unexpected spot after a 

 lengthened dive, it is certain to have the unfortunate fish in 

 its bill. 



Another peculiarity which belongs to this species is common 

 with many other aquatic birds — that of violently beating the water 

 with its wings without moving from the spot, followed by a vigorous 

 shaking of the whole body, with the feathers ruffled, and, at the 

 same time, covering itself with water. After repeating this 

 several times with small intervals of rest, it will retire to an 

 elevated place on shore, where it will remain with outspread wings 

 until dry. 



The flight of these birds is rapid and lasting ; but they are as 

 heavy and awkward when on land as they are nimble and active 

 in the water. Their nature being unsuspicious and trustful, they 

 can be easily approached, particularly when resting after their 

 fishing exertions. 



The Cormorant is widely difiused both in the Old and New 

 World. It is a migratory bird, but is seen on our coast at all 

 seasons. It breeds among rocks on the coast, selecting crags and 

 inaccessible places, which sometimes are covered with their nests : 

 these are composed of sticks and sea- weed, in which the female 

 deposits her eggs, generally three in number, and which are of a 

 whitish colour, weighing about two ounces. 



In Egypt four species of Cormorants are known. The Great 

 Cormorant ( Carlo cormoranus) is the size of a Goose ; this 

 species is often domesticated, and is frequently met with in France. 



