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COMMON CORMORANT. 
The Common Corsiorant, Phalacracorax car- 
bo. — Pelicanus carlo, Linn. — Carlo cormoranus, la 
grand cormoran, Temm. — Phalacracorax carlo, 
Steph.,Flem.,Selly,8cc. — Crested Cormorant, Bewick. 
— Cormorant of British authors. — This species, from 
the changes incident to its plumage, was described 
under several names ; but these states have since 
been better understood, and the British birds are 
now known to constitute but one species. The 
present bird is the most common and most widely 
distributed, and extends around the whole coasts 
of our mainland and islands, breeding in suitable 
localities, and in winter entering the bays and 
estuaries, and at times ascending the courses of 
rivers ; its breeding stations are described to be 
rather on the summits of rocks than on the 
ledges, where they construct a large nest of sea- 
weeds, or material collected on the waters ; but where 
we have observed them, ledges of rock have been 
selected, and so broad, that the birds, if shot dead, 
would not fall from them. On the Ross of Kirkcud- 
bright, St. Bee’s Head, and the Isle of Man, there are 
several breeding-places of this description. During 
winter it occasionally follows the river courses ; and 
we have known several birds take up a regular sta- 
tion, remaining to fish on the river, and roosting 
during night on its banks, upon some overhanging 
trees; and where inland lakes or waters are situate 
at no great distance from the sea, they are constantly 
frequented. On the sea, except during incubation, 
