238 
THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 
margins of lakes and streams. It is generally very shy and wary, keeping 
to more or less open situations, where it has an uninterrupted view of 
its surroundings. Food: fish, small reptiles, freshwater molluscs, frogs, 
aquatic insects, and small mammals. 
Nest. — A rather bulky platform, composed of sticks; placed in the 
branches of a tree growing in or near water. Breeds in colonies, often 
in association with Spoonbills and Cormorants. Generally dead trees, 
chiefly those standing in swamps or flooded lands, are used as nesting-sites. 
Eggs. — Usually four, rarely five, pale greenish-blue, the surface being 
smooth and lustreless. Breeding-season: September to January. 
21. Pied Heron Notophoyx aruensis Gray 
aruensis — of the Aru Islands, south of New Guinea. 
Distribution. — Northern Australia, from Wyndham (north-western 
Australia), to Cape York Peninsula; also occurs in the Celebes, Molucca 
Islands, New Guinea, and the Aru Islands. 
Notes. — Observed singly, in pairs, or in flocks, frequenting chiefly 
mangroves and swampy areas. Very little has been recorded of its habits 
and economy. It is believed to be a migrant, visiting Australia during the 
spring and summer months. 
Nest. — A slightly concave structure, composed of small mangrove 
sticks and twigs; placed in a mangrove tree, at heights up to 15 feet from 
the gr'ound. 
Eggs. — Three or four, deep blue-green. Breeding-season : April (or 
March to May). 
22. Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Linne 
Phal'-a-cro-cor'-ax — Gk, phalacros, bald ; Gk, corax, crow or raven : 
car -bo — L., carbo , charcoal (black). 
Distribution. — Australia generally, and Tasmania; also occurs in 
eastern North America, Europe, Africa, Asia to New Guinea, and New 
Zealand. 
Notes. — Also called Black Shag. Usually singly or in small flocks, 
frequenting lakes, streams, rocky islets, or inlets. It is generally seen 
perched on poles or snags in streams, on rocks, or resting on sand-banks 
and mud-flats. This bird often dives from its perch after fish and yabbies, 
though the usual method of securing food is to submerge and pursue its 
prey under water. 
Nest. — An open and almost flat structure, composed of sticks, twigs, 
aquatic herbage, and debris; placed either on a horizontal branch of a 
tree, in a low bush, or on a ledge of rock. Breeds in colonies. 
Eggs. — Three to five, pale bluish-white, thickly and often roughly 
coated with lime; the eggs soon become scratched and nest-stained. 
Breeding-season: July to" October (eastern Australia); September to 
December (Tasmania). 
