The Brandt's Cormorant {Phalacrocorax penicillatus) 



By Seth Mindwell 



Length : 24 inches. 



There are about thirty species of Cormorants which are distributed through- 

 out the world. Ten of these are known to inhabit North America. They are 

 ocean birds, yet they are also occasionally seen on the larger bodies of fresh 

 water. The Pacific coast of Xorth America and the shores of New Zealand are 

 rich in species and their plumage is more beautiful than that of those found in 

 otlier parts of the world. 



The name Cormorant is derived from the Latin words Corvus Alarinus, 

 meaning marine crow or raven. This name may have been suggested by the fact 

 that these birds are fond of sitting on an elevated perch, especially after a hearty 

 meal. In this habit of seeking high perches, and because of their dark color, 

 they resemble the raven or crow. The generic name Phalacrocorax is derived 

 from the Greek words, meaning bald crow. 



One of the species that frequents the coast of Europe is easily tamed and in 

 early times was trained to fish for its master. There was even an appointment in 

 the royal household known a? the *']\raster of the Cormorants." When used in 

 fishing ''a strap is fastened around the bird's neck so as, without impeding its 

 l)reath, to hinder it from swallowing its captures. Arri\ed at the waterside, it is 

 cast off. It at once dives and darts along the bottom as swiftly as an arrow in 

 (|uest of its prey, rapidly scanning every hole or pool. A fish is generally seized 

 within a few seconds of its being sighted and as each is taken the bird rises to 

 tlie surface with its capture in its bill. It does not take much longer to dispose 

 of the prize in the dilatable skin of its throat so far as the strap will allow and 

 the pursuit is recommenced until the bird's gular pouch, capacious as it is, will 

 hold no more. It then returns to its keeper, who has been anxiously watching 

 and encouraging its movements, and a little manipulation of its neck effects the 

 delivery of the booty." 



The Cormorants are voracious eaters. They catch the fish, which is their 

 usual food, under water by rapid swimming and with the aid of their hooked bills. 

 On account of this habit of the bird the word Cormorant has been used syn- 

 onymously with the word glutton, rapacious or avaricious when applied to a per- 

 son who exhibits these traits. 



Brandt's Cormorant, the bird of our illustration, is found on the Pacific 

 coast from the state of \\'ashington southward to Cape St. Lucas at the southern 

 extremity of Lower California. In its habits it is gregarious and collects in 

 great numbers wherever its natural food of fish is plentiful. These flocks present 

 a ver}: odd appearance and their long necks appear as numerous black sticks on 

 the watery background. 



Mr. Leverett M. Loomis well illustrates the habits of these birds in a report 

 on the California Water birds. He says of a rookery, "which is situated on a rock. 



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