XYI. 



PHALACEOCO R A X V A R I U S . 



PIED CORMORANT. Genus: Phalacrocorax. 



J 1 1HE Pied Cormorant, while being remarkable, like the foregoing variety, for its striking plumage, 

 enjoys a much wider range for its habitat. It is gregarious in its habits, and may be very 

 frequently seen gathered in large flocks on almost any part of our coasts suitable to its habits. It 

 frequents principally low-lying, sandy reaches of deep bays and inlets where it obtains its food, which 

 consists almost solely of fish. In such places, hundreds of this variety may be seen in the pursuit of 

 sustenance, or, having satisfied their hunger, large numbers of them resting close together engaged in 

 trimming their plumage. The same species is also found in New Zealand. 



The sexes are alike in outward appearance, both as regards plumage and the colouring of the 

 exposed skin ; the young have the upper surface brown and the sides of the neck and upper part of 

 the breast mottled with the same colour. 



In his " General History," Latham states that the Pied Cormorant builds in trees ; a dozen 

 or more nesting close together. The egg is two and a half inches long, of a pale blue. 



Crown of the head, neck, wings and upper surfaces black, with deep blue lights ; wings similar, 

 with more of a greenish tinge ; flanks, green ; tail, blue-green ; sides of the face, throat and under surfaces 

 pure white, with the exception of an ashen tinge near the eye ; i rides, bright green ; bare space round 

 the eye pale green, with a patch of bright orange next the beak ; bill grey, lighter at the tip ; legs 

 and feet grey, toes black. 



Habitats : Widely dispersed over Australia and Tasmania 



